Renault is confident it knows how to increase the power output of its V6 turbo engine as it aims to close the gap to rivals Ferrari and Mercedes.
Since the introduction of the current engine regulations in 2014, Renault has lagged behind class-leaders Mercedes and has only shown real signs of catching up this year. A combustion upgrade at the Monaco Grand Prix saw the French manufacturer make a big step forward, but it is the consistent reliability of the power unit that engine technical director Remi Taffin says will lead to further steps in performance.
"Silverstone was the fourth race where we have used the new units [on both cars] and everything has worked well," he said. "We have now got to the point where we are working on the smaller issues to improve the wider picture and give extra performance through driveability or additional power.
"Having a reliable and generally driveable PU was one of our major targets this year and now that has been achieved we can work on the bigger picture, together with Enstone. We're learning as a team all the time about operating the car and every lesson learnt helps for the future."
While the works team continues to struggle for points, Taffin says Red Bull's success using TAG Heuer-branded Renault engines is proof of the step forward on the engine side.
"It's obviously encouraging to see that the power unit is now capable of fighting on track at the front and going for pole positions. It shows the work we have done has paid off but we know we still need to increase the power output and this is where our focus lies as we know how to achieve that."