Renault chief Cyril Abiteboul says the French manufacturer is “motivated” by the prospect of fighti✨ng customer Formula 1 teams Red♔ Bull and McLaren in 2018.

On its🐭 return to F1 as a fully-fledged factory squad in 2016, Renault outlined its long-term ambitions of replicating its previous title success and producing a title-winning operation. 

After finishing sixth in the 2017 constructors’ championship and having made impressive gains towards the end of the year, Renault is confident of moving further u🌳p F1’s pecking order this season.

At the launch of its new challenger - the R.S.18 - on Tuesday, Abiteboul set Renault a clear target of closing the gap to leading teams Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull ♓in 2018.

"Our strategy in Formula 1 is very clear. We are in Formula 1 as a full works te🔯am,” Abiteboul said. “The m♔arketing value is associated to the works team and that’s clear. However, power unit technology is at the heart of what we do and what we offer. 

“Renault has an amazing track record of supplying engines to the beꦆst teams and best drivers, securing many successful results with Formula 1 teams, from Williams to Red Bull. It’s natural to continue that history ♔and stay true to that legacy.”

The French outfit supplies engines to the Red Bull team, while McLaren will also run Renault power units for the first time in its history in 2018, following its switch from Honda. Abiteboul believes both te🅷ams will act as direct benchmarks for Renau🧜lt in the upcoming campaign.

“It’ཧs an honour to supply to teams as big as Red Bull and McLaren and is a recognition of the quality of our product and work that they have chosen Renault. 

“Of course, they are very strong competitorsಌ and that’s an extra challenge and motivation. They will clearly be our benchmarks for performance this season.”