Engine boss Taffin sees Renault ahead of Mercedes, but behind Ferrari

(Motorsport-Whole.com) – Motor manufacturer Renault announced last year that 1. 000 – to have exceeded the PS mark . The French were the first manufacturers to publicly acknowledge this value. There is no confirmation from Mercedes and Ferrari. But what is the balance of power between the three engine manufacturers?

“We see a close battle with Mercedes and Ferrari in terms of engine performance,” explains Remi Taffin in the interview with 'auto motor und sport '. In the trade magazine, the Renault engine chief also explains: “Mercedes is a bit behind us, Ferrari is a bit ahead of us. Honda is one step behind.”

This statement makes one sit up and take notice previously Mercedes and Ferrari were clearly the market leaders. Renault was generally ranked third in the ranking. Now, however, the group believes that it has already overtaken the Silver Arrows, only Ferrari continues to be seen as a yardstick.

However, the differences in performance are minimal: “This is played by Ferrari, Mercedes and us between five and ten kilowatts. At Honda it may be 15 or 20 kilowatts behind. ” On average, Renault has increased the combustion engine by 30 hp educated year.

A big step in the winter break is from 2018 on 2019. During this time, Renault in Viry-Chatillon was able to improve the efficiency of the internal combustion engine, says Taffin. “In terms of efficiency, we were pretty good at the inaugurate of the hybrid era.”

Today the ERS is “over” 90 percent “efficiency. And with the combustion engine? “There we have of 40 on 50 percent efficiency increased. ” For the upcoming season 2020 Renault does not want to make any “massive changes” to the engine.

The main thing is to integrate the engine as well as possible in the new racing car. Since no major changes to the rules 2020 are planned, Renault is preparing itself with one eye 2021 in front. “I won't reveal a big secret if I chronicle: 50 percent of our resources are already on 2021 directed. “