Renault "fired up" by 2019 Ricciardo signing

Renault have been "fired up" by Daniel Ricciardo's signing from Red Bull according to Renault technical director Nick Chester, as the Aussie's signature gives the French team motivation to work harder.

Ricciardo announced his departure from Red Bull this summer, leaving the team after spending his entire Formula One career there so far. The most surprising part is that he chose to go to Renault, a team which is currently much slower than the Bulls. 

Clearly, Ricciardo sees the potential in the French team, and maybe he wants to be the leader of a team as well, rather than scrapping with Max Verstappen every weekend.

Either way, the 29-year-old signing on has given Renault a big boost, Chester explained when asked if it was the right time for the Aussie to step onboard of the Renault-project.

"I think it's always the right time, if it makes you quicker," Chester told ESPN.

"It pushed the team on, it will help with development - I think it is right.

"It also shows that commitment; it's a big deal to show to everybody that Renault believe in us enough to get a top-line driver.

"So we need to go on and do the rest of it.

"It certainly focused the mind.

"You know you have to make a very good car for him, but everyone is fired up - we know if we give him the right equipment, he'll deliver with it.

"So it's very positive. We know we've got a very strong driver pairing to work with next year."

A few hints there suggesting that Renault could be quicker than Red Bull next season, which is a bold claim to make. Do you think they'll actually challenge the Bulls?