F1: Renault targeting qualifying gains

Renault racing director Frederic Vasseur feels the team needs to improve its qualifying pace to score points regularly on its full-time return to Formula 1.

Renault just missed out on the top 10 in the Australian Grand Prix, with Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen finishing 11th and 12th. The French manufacturer, however, was let down by its Saturday performance, with Palmer and Magnussen only able to claim 14th and 15th on the grid.

"We can be satisfied with the beginning," said Vasseur. "We managed to get both cars to the end, the pace was good, the last stint for Kevin was a good one, and Jolyon was in the top 10 for 75 percent of the race.

"To be on the [race] pace with Force India was perhaps unexpected, so we can be very happy with our pace, but we know we have to improve on the qualifying pace now.

"Overall I cannot be satisfied because we did not score points, so we have to look forward. We know we have a lot of work to do. At least the signs are encouraging, and the result will push everyone in the team for the next race."

Vasseur has confirmed there are "updates in the pipeline" for both engine and chassis, and he is aware the team cannot prioritize one over the other.

"We know we have a lot of work to do on the engine, and on the chassis we are aware," he said. "It is not just about focusing on one to get us into the midfield, or one part of the grid. We have to work everywhere.

"We know the situation and everybody is pushing the same way, including the drivers, but I think it is a very comfortable situation for us."

Even though the team failed to score points, Vasseur feels the performances of Palmer and Magnussen were impressive enough to ensure Renault has no concerns going forward.

"They did very well," said Vasseur. "They did the full [race] distance without any mistakes, so I'm very impressed so far. We expected they would do a good job and they did, which is perfect for me as it means we can be focused on our job, so for a first race it was very encouraging."

Originally on Autosport.com