Hulkenberg, Sainz making ‘massive’ contribution

Renault's chassis technical director, Nick Chester, has underlined the importance of Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz as the team looks to continue their development.

The Enstone team are hoping that they will be able to compete with the big dogs in Formula 1 in the coming years and will have at least fourth place in their sights in the Constructors' Championship this year.

Hulkenberg may have yet to experience the podium after a record 135 grands prix, but Chester believes his consistency and feedback, coupled with the recruitment of Sainz, is helping take Renault to the next level.

"It is massively important. The really great thing about Nico is that he is really consistent, he is really quick, and he tells you exactly where the problems are that are slowing him down," Chester told Autosport.

"He says, 'this is the most important thing for me, if you work on this I will go quicker' and then you don't need to worry about a whole load of other stuff.

"So in terms of prioritising what you do, it is super important.

"And then Carlos is pretty much the same. He has got really good feedback and is quick, so with the two of them we have got some really good information to work with.

"It makes a massive difference."

Sainz was able to join Renault earlier than planned after Jolyon Palmer was axed from the team, and Chester praised the Spaniard for how quickly he has settled in.

"He liked the car straight away," he added.

"He could feel it had more grip and downforce, a slightly different balance to what he is used to, but he is obviously very good and he adapted to it pretty quickly.

"Now he is thinking hard and working with us really well on how we adapt the balance more to his liking and that will help both cars."

Sainz is currently on loan from Red Bull until the end of 2018 season.