Ocon eyes “fresh start” in Belgian GP with new F1 engine

Esteban Ocon is hoping for a “fresh start” to his 2020 Formula 1 season at next weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix when he is boosted by a new engine and gearbox. 

The Frenchman has returned to the F1 grid this season with Renault after sitting on the sidelines of the grid for a year, but has so far endured a difficult comeback. 

Ocon has so far recorded 16 points from the opening six races of the campaign, four fewer than teammate Daniel Ricciardo, while he has been convincingly out-performed by the Australian in qualifying. 

But Ocon is pinning his hopes on a change of fortunes in Belgium thanks to the introduction of fresh components to his RS20 car, including a brand new power unit. 

“I feel that Spa is going to be a fresh start,” Ocon said. 

“There is going to be a new gearbox for me, a new engine, a lot of new parts as well because we are not happy with the performance difference between the cars.

“But hopefully that will make it closer, and hopefully it is going to be a fresh start for my side of the garage.”

And Ocon believes the changes will help him reduce the deficit to Ricciardo, who he is yet to outqualify in dry conditions so far this year. 

“We are honestly changing the engine for the straight-line speed that I was lacking,” he explained.

“But there are also other areas where I feel and we feel we were not competitive enough compared to the other side of the garage.

“We are going to change the parts and see if it makes a difference or not. But only time will tell. In my mind I believe yes.”