Renault expecting tight Bahrain battle

An impressive first race in Melbourne saw the team pick up a double points finish and the team sit in fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.

However, picking up a similar result in Bahrain may be more difficult for Renault, with Haas surely unlikely to make the same mistakes as they did in Australia’s season opener.

Renault’s Chassis Technical Director Nick Chester says: “The Bahrain International Circuit is a lot smoother than the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, so we’ll experience less of a problem with bumps.

“It’s got a bit more grip, a slightly different range of corner speeds and longer straights with more scope for overtaking.

“The top three teams (Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull) are out in front, then after that there’s a good battle for fourth between us, Haas and McLaren.

“That’s a challenge we relish and we’ll be putting the hours in to make sure we’re right in the mix.

“I’d expect the teams to be very closely matched as in Australia and it will certainly be another tight fight.”