Bob Bell: Renault must perform in German Grand Prix

Renault Chief Technical officer Bob Bell insists Renault must perform at the German Grand Prix next year. He says his team need to regain their grip on the midfield battle after letting it slip over the last two races.

Haas have been the team on form in the midfield. They've climbed up to 5th and are now knocking on the door to challenge Renault. Just 19 points separate the two sides.

Bell expects the car to be stronger on the Hockenheimring than Silverstone. He claims, in an interview on the chequered flag, that Renault must take advantage.

"It's vital for us to regain the initiative in the midfield battle. We let that slip in Austria but showed our fighting spirit in Silverstone, so it's important we come out from Hockenheim in good shape," Bob Bell said.

Last weekend, Renault ran an innovative tyre strategy on both of their cars. The French team used the medium and hard sets. He confirms the team are looking at getting the best they can out of the tyres.

"As we've seen at most races this year, it will be a story of how we manage the tyres. It's a slightly different choice here with Pirelli's medium, soft and ultrasoft, skipping the supersoft," added Bell.

Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg will get some home support from the stands this weekend. With Haas and Force India on their heels, they'll need all they can to stay on top.