The Renault Sport Formula One Team has revealed its true racing colours on the eve on the new season and Jolyon Palmer has given his thoughts on the paint scheme, plus his preparations and expectations for the weekend ahead.  

The French manufacturer’s R.S.16 car had run in stealth mode during the testing programme at Barcelona, but the plan was always to unveil a final 2016 race livery in Australia. 

Its distinctive yellow-gold and black colours were launched an event hosted in Docklands, Melbourne, in a highly unique way. The R.S.16 was first seen by the guests as it literally surfed the waves at Boat Harbour Park beach just outside Sydney! 

Renault Sport Formula One Team drivers Palmer and team-mate Kevin Magnussen plus Australian pro surfer Ellie-Jean Coffey undertook the shoot on Monday before the Australian Grand Prix. The car – a showcar for those concerned about whether it will dry out in time for Sunday’s race – was fixed to the 7.5m long board using bespoke harnesses. It was then towed out into the Pacific Ocean where it was unleashed to catch its first-ever waves. 

“I think the car looks great,” said Jolyon. “Now I can’t wait to hit the track in it on Friday!”

In relation to the all-important debut weekend in Melbourne, Palmer commented on his preparations and pre-season testing.

“It’s been good to have the winter break to get myself in a very good place mentally and physically,” he said. “My winter training’s been really intense and positive. When you’re unable to drive the car it’s good to be able to work on your fitness. Unfortunately I’ve had to contend with the British weather so I’ve done quite a bit inside in the gym! I’m a bit of a fair weather player, but I have been outside running when it stops raining!

“We had some frustrations (with testing) but in the end we managed to get some good performance running in. I was unlucky in that every day I picked up a problem, which has cost us a few hours. It’s not what you want when you’re a rookie, but all the same I have done a reasonable amount of laps and Kevin has had four very good days so we have been able to gather a lot of information on the car. We know it is a strong basis to start from and we’ll keep working to deliver more performance.”

Although Jolyon officially goes into the season as an F1 rookie, he admits that his year of clocking up the mileage as a reserve driver in 2015 gives him added confidence ahead of the Melbourne weekend. 

“It’s important as there are a lot of procedures and the cars are very technical to drive so it has been a big help to have the experience of last year to fall back on,” he continued. “Even though I did not get the greatest amount of laps in testing, I don’t feel too behind and know that when we turn up in Melbourne it will be OK.

“I am really looking forward to Friday when the 22 cars are out on track pounding round. I think everything will be ready. We always keep working on performance but when it comes to a race weekend you give it your all to achieve a good result. It will be busy for us in the race but I feel I’m in an OK position right now.