"Home race gives us more motivation" - Carlos Sainz Jr

Ahead of the French GP next weekend, Renault driver Carlos Sainz Jr. has said that there is more motivation because of Renault originating from France.

Carlos Sainz Jr. is ninth in the constructors' championship following an impressive eighth placed finish in Canada last weekend.

The French Grand Prix is back on television screens next weekend, following a decade break and Sainz Jr. is looking forward to the challenge.

"We have just had an excellent collective result in Canada," said Sainz Jr.

"And I think we can be pleased. We must continue to develop the car at this pace.

"Everything we bring to it works and makes it faster and faster.

"The Paul Ricard circuit has features quite close to Montreal with two long straights that focus on top speed.

"We will be happy if our performance is similar to Canada's."

Team mate, Nico Hulkenberg finished in seventh last weekend to ensure an impressive seventh and eighth placed finish for Renault in Montreal.

"Every weekend I am extremely motivated to achieve the best possible result," Sainz Jr. said when asked about his motivation for next weekend.

"This one will be no exception. However, this is the Renault home race and it'll give us even more motivation.

"There will be a lot of attention from media and sponsors.

"But we know what we have to do once the visor is down and we will try to achieve maximum at the wheel."