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Renault set three-year target to return to F1 podium

Team bosses and Jolyon Palmer downplay 2016 prospects

Image: Renault unveiled a predominantly black livery at the RS16's launch

Renault have set the target of claiming podium finishes within three years with the returning former champions braced for a "rebuilding" season in 2016.

The French car giants formally launched their return as an F1 constructor at a ceremony in Paris and announced a new structure for the team formerly known as Lotus as well as the company's wider motorsport activities.

But although Renault become just the third 'works' team on the grid after Mercedes and Ferrari, they only completed their takeover in December and were keen to manage short-term expectations at Wednesday's car launch.

"The team has been given the goal to be on podium within three years," said Renault chairman Carlos Ghosn.

Cyril Abiteboul, Renault Sport's managing director, added: "We have to be realistic about 2016. In some areas we are playing catch-up - it's no secret that we missed the start of the new power unit regulations and Enstone needs a bit of TLC.

"This is a year to re-build relations… that's not to say that we will write off the year, but we are aiming to put everything in place for improved success in 2017."

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Craig Slater reports from Paris where Renault have unveiled the RS16

Although the three-year podium target might seem relatively modest given cash-strapped Lotus finished third at last August's Belgian GP, the Enstone team have not been regular front-runners since 2013 and Renault's V6 engine is down on power compared to Mercedes and Ferrari's units.

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New race driver Jolyon Palmer believes Renault are right not to make any bold 2016 proclamations.

Renault reveal 2016 car
Renault reveal 2016 car

New-look team the first to break cover with their 2016 challenger

"It's difficult to say at the moment [what the targets are] because we're taking over from the Lotus team which were in a big mess at the end of last year," the British driver told Sky Sports News HQ.

"Everything's very positive about Renault now and the team, but first of all we've got to see where we are when we start testing in a couple of weeks.

Image: Reserve driver Esteban Ocon (left) joined race drivers Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen at the unveiling

"This is a rebuilding year. Everything's a little bit late and not planned as ideal. The long-term goal is very optimistic but we'll just hold fire on expectations for the moment and see where we're going to be in a couple of weeks."

Palmer was joined at the Renault launch by Kevin Magnussen, the 11th-hour replacement for Pastor Maldonado in the team's 2016 line-up after the Venezuelan's deal fell through.

The 2014 GP2 champion says he never had any worries that he might suffer the same fate as Maldonado and is excited to be a part of Renault's new era.

Image: Unlike Pastor Maldonado, Palmer has kept his seat since the change of team ownership

"I knew the terms when my deal was signed to be racing this year - it was either with Lotus or with Renault," Palmer said. "The biggest anxiety I had is when we weren't sure because Lotus were in a lot of difficulties at the end of last year.

"So when Renault signed their deal it was basically a lot of relief and a lot of excitement because there is so much they can do in Formula 1. They've got a great history and a lot of ambition to get back to the front, which is fantastic news for a driver like myself."

'Team Enstone': Two eras compared

Renault era (2002-2009) Genii/Lotus era (2010-2015)
Races 140 115
Wins 20 2
Win ratio 14.3% 1.7%
Pole positions 20 0
Podiums 54 30
Average championship finish 4th 5th
World titles 2 Drivers' & 2 Constructors' 0

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