Renault: Bahrain test crucial

With the fight at the front of the field looking closer than it has done for several years, Renault's sporting manager Steve Nielsen thinks it is vital that the race team iron out any problems before the start of the campaign.

That is why they are being taken down to the tests at Sakhir over the next two weeks, where work will not just focus on improving the R27's speed and reliability.

"The entire race team will be going out there, and that's all part of our preparation," Nielsen told Renault's official website. "We have seen that the car is reliable, and practiced our procedures last week in Spain.

"The aim for the next two weeks is therefore to concentrate on performance work while ensuring the whole team is running smoothly.

"The level of competition is much closer this season, and that means every little detail is important. You need to know the regulations inside out, and be able to get the most from the car at all times.

"That's why we have concentrated on preparing thoroughly because everything should be second nature when we get to Melbourne.

"In many ways, it should feel like the second race of the year, not the first..."