For Eric Boullier, Renault is competing with the top three teams

The race was unpredictable in Montreal. F1 is providing an exciting spectacle at the moment…

Such a deluge was totally unusual, but as we thought, the race turned out to be exciting with spectacle until the last lap. Without a doubt, we could have achieved a better result, and seeing Nick clash with Kamui did not please me. But I am obviously thrilled for Vitaly, who had another solid weekend.

Before the race, you said that the fans were the future of this sport. Can exciting races like those in Monaco and Montreal help increase its popularity?

First of all, it is always refreshing to meet the fans. It motivates you to do your job even better when you see them at the circuits. Monaco is a very special race for F1 and Montreal is a city that breathes F1: it was entirely decorated for the Grand Prix week. These two events alone are proof of F1’s global popularity. Moreover, we witnessed two eventful races, which helps promote the sport. Dramatic, exciting races are what the public expects. In Montreal, I participated in a FOTA forum with the fans and was delighted that FOTA could organize such an open debate with the public. It was very interesting and constructive. I believe we should continue to thank the fans for their support and engagement in this type of forum and throughout our sport.

Does what you saw during the last race show that LRGP is back in business?

Yes, absolutely. Of course, we still have difficulties in qualifying – we need to position ourselves higher on the grid – but we are fighting for the top six and I’m convinced it will be even better in Valencia.

What are the major aspects the team focused on to remain competitive during the break before Valencia?

We have made a lot of technical modifications to the car. Many of them resulted from understanding the origins of our issues during qualifying. If you add some improvements, it suggests that we could make a leap forward.

Another city circuit. Will it suit the characteristics of the R31?

It’s a benefit for the sport to have these city circuits; they offer a contrast to the artificial tracks. The layout will suit us well, and we hope to fight for positions in the front rows of the starting grid.

With four races before the summer break, what do you expect from the team?

We need one or two more podiums in this period to secure our position among the elite this season and to stay ahead of Mercedes, which has significantly raised its performance level. Maintaining our place among the top four in the constructors’ championship is a top priority, and we must continue to stake our claim in the next four races.

According to a statement from Lotus Renault GP