Rémi Taffin: There’s very little not to love about Austin. The setting is impressive, the welcome is warm and the track is one of the best we visit all year.
There are some very impressive corners and flowing complexes that challenge drivers, engineers and the technology we use. The power unit works in the mid to high range throughout the lap, with high average speeds and some very technical sections.
We will have our new specification of power unit available to use in Austin. The principal changes involve the internals of the ICE to give improved power and efficiency. We know that introducing the new PU will incur a grid penalty so the decision to use will be made in full consultation with the teams. At this point of the season obviously points are crucial so if circumstances allow then we will use on track.
Whatever spec we do use, we are looking forward to Austin. Our reliability has been good in the last three races and performance more in line with our expectations; both our teams just need a clean weekend to show the improved potential of both packages.
Renault 2015 Fast Facts
The Circuit of the Americas was designed by circuit guru Hermann Tilke and includes homages to some of the greatest corners of the championship. The flowing section in Sector 1 is a replica of Silverstone’s Maggots and Becketts complex, while the tight section that opens Sector 3 resembles Hockenheim’s stadium section. The radial turns of 16 – 17 are a mirror image of Istanbul’s iconic Turn 8, which was also Tilke-designed.
The track is very demanding on the tyres, so engine engineers will work with the chassis teams to reduce wheelspin in the corners and tyre wear. With 20 corners in total, it’s crucial to make the balance as smooth as possible to lengthen tyre life.
The track runs anti-clockwise. This will put the drivers’ necks under pressure in the opposite way to ‘normal’ but it is not expected to pose any particular problem for the power units.
Redazione MotoriNoLimits
