Renault’s sporting director Frederic Vasseur says he is not expecting the French constructor to challenge for honours on their Formula One return in 2016. Vasseur was handed the task of leading the team last week after Renault confirmed Kevin Magnussen as Jolyon Palmer’s team-mate for the new season.
He takes charge after they endured a difficult 2015 campaign under the guise of Lotus, Romain Grosjean sealing their only podium of the season in Belgium.
As Renault look to settle back into life as a work team rather than an engine supplier, Vasseur does not envisage them fighting at the front of grid for at least three seasons.
“We have to take time to be a competitive team,” Vasseur said.
“We had a tough year last year, but even at the end they were not far in terms of performance. The basics are there and we have to take care now to build up a new team.
“If you have a look in the past, from the cycle of Red Bull and Ferrari, they took five years to become champions. I think it is a normal cycle.
“I will listen to the chief executive and follow the road map of the chief. We have to be ready for the podium in the third season and win in the fifth.”
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