Newly recruited Renault Sport F1 driver, Kevin Magnussen, makes his return in the 2016 season after an absence from the track.
“It’s an incredible feeling and it means so much. It’s not only a Formula 1 drive but it’s a top drive. Renault Sport will be fighting for world championships in the future, it might have a build-up phase, but they’re here to win and that’s a goal I share.”
Magnussen made his F1 debut in 2014 for McLaren and was supported by team principal, Ron Dennis, but was replaced by double-world champion Fernando Alonso for 2015.
Asked about his year away, the Dane said: “It’s been character building! I had a season in 2014 with McLaren and I felt it went quite well pitched against a past World Champion (Jenson Button). To be replaced the following year was tough even if the line-up the team used was very strong.
“I’m extremely motivated after a whole year away. I’ve been sitting on the sideline during the races for so many weekends and I’m hungry to come back and prove my worth.”
The 23-year-old says his time out hasn’t impacted his driving pace.
“I was always surprised at how quickly I re-adapted to driving after time out of the car. I was pretty much immediately on the pace when I tested the Porsche Le Mans car and I’ve been on it whenever I’ve been in an F1 car. I’m ready.”
Magnussen secured a 2nd-place finish on his F1 debut with McLaren, ahead of teammate and world champion, Jenson Button.
