Paris (AFP)

The French Esteban Ocon, back in F1 with Renault after a hiatus of a year, would now like to "make a podium", he said during the launch by the French manufacturer of its 2020 season in Paris, Wednesday.

Q: We left you in December doing your first laps with the 2019 Renault during the end-of-season tests in Abu Dhabi. What has happened since?

A: "A lot has happened this winter! We had a good preparation with the team, I did the simulator, I went to see all the people in each department, to see the energy right now and there is a great atmosphere, everyone is very happy with my arrival, everyone really supported me, everyone is smiling. Now it's time to + perform + on the track and I look forward. (...) I feel ready. I had one of the best preparations of all my previous years in F1, so I feel good. "

Q: Have you set goals since these first tests?

A: "It's a bit early. Level objective team, we will try to fight for fourth place, get closer to the top 3, try to create a dynamic where we progress constantly and where we will have a solid base for 2021 (year of change of the technical, sporting and commercial regulations of the World Championship, note) On the personal side, this is a podium that I would like to make. I still have to + score + one. We will try to do the best."

Q: You are the eighth French driver at Renault in F1. Is it a source of motivation or pressure?

A: "It's a + stat +, but a good + stat +. I'm happy to represent France with an additional French team. French Grand Prix (June 28 at Le Castellet, editor's note), French stable, French driver, It’s going to be great! I’m really looking forward to it. Of course it’s something special, but for me Renault really represents racing and being one of its two drivers, it’s sure it tastes special. "

Q: Alain Prost, quadruple F1 world champion, is the non-executive director of Renault in F1. What are your relationships?

A: "I am very lucky to work with Alain. He really helps me in my daily life. We are called very, very often to discuss what is going on in the team, how we could do things He will continue to coach me, to help me all year round. I may have him more on the phone than my family! I am very lucky to have him by my side and I see him as a mentor. "

Q: Have you got to know your new teammate Daniel Ricciardo?

A: "Everything is going well together. The first time I met him, I heard: + hey +, I turned around and I took a bottle of water in the face (laughs). is a nice guy, he plays the clown, he is funny. There is a good understanding in the team. (...) I am very lucky to have him to compare myself to him, because it is one of the best. I will try to settle on him during the tests (winter in Barcelona from February 19 to 28, note), learn what he does and arrive ready in Australia (theater of the first Grand Prix of the season on March 15, note). "

Words gathered during a press point.

© 2020 AFP