Why has Renault returned to F1 as a constructor?
Cyril Abiteboul, Renault Sport Racing Managing Director: The reasons are threefold. The first is based on a solid business strategy. As an engine supplier our brand visibility was marginal, but it was acceptable when the cost of the technology was contained. With the dual problem of the increased expenditure of the V6 regulations and the level of competition that raised dramatically, it was not the case anymore. As a team, we can achieve improved returns in all areas, such as brand awareness in traditional markets and new media platforms. This leads to the second reason: to use F1 to grow the Renault Sport brand in particular thanks to a controlled communication strategy with a platform that we fully own. The final reason is that Renault is passionate about motorsport. There is a genuine pride in the results of the past and an enthusiasm to do justice to them in the present day.

How was the news greeted at Renault?
CA: Within the Renault group people have naturally been very positive as it is an opportunity for the group to grow and to re-own the results of the past. It also adds an extra sparkle to the brand as it tackles bigger challenges in its core business. At Enstone the atmosphere has been buzzing. When we visited the factory in November there was a lot of work, but the mood was muted. Now it's like a light has gone back on – everyone is flat out, but very optimistic. At Viry it's much the same, despite the huge challenge, there is now a direction. There's a real drive on both sides of the operation to build for the future.

How will Renault Sport Racing function?
CA: The creation of Renault Sport Racing is a very exciting step. For the first time in a long time we have a coherent brand and structure where all personnel working on motorsport disciplines will be managed by the same team. We will have engineers seconded to Formula E, customer programmes and Formula Renault 2.0, amongst other activities, working shoulder to shoulder. This will facilitate collaborations between Formula 1 and other racing activities we have not seen in the past, such as powertrain developments, aerodynamic advancements and, of course, greater flexibility and mobility. The human performance will also be addressed, with the Academy composed of drivers coming from our feeder series and trained to hopefully become F1 material as soon as possible.

Jerome Stoll, Fred Vasseur and myself will manage the group and create the necessary crossover points to cover a scope fairly wide from rally, to track racecars and single-seaters. But these synergies must not come to the detriment of the F1 team, which will be relatively independent to manage the very specific technical and sporting challenges of the sport. As F1 Chief Technical Officer, Bob Bell will be fully focused on the F1 performance and oversee the technical teams at Enstone and Viry to ensure everyone is following the same path. Nick Chester and Remi Taffin will manage the technical teams at Enstone and Viry respectively. I'm very happy with this arrangement; we've got strong people in the right roles and a genuine willingness to work together to move forward. We have the budget we need for now, and we need to be cost-efficient and conserve our team spirit as we revitalise existing working models.

What are the targets for this year?
CA: Each category will have its own target. In Formula 1, we have to be realistic about 2016. In some areas we are playing catch-up – it's no secret that we missed the start of the new power unit regulations and Enstone needs a bit of TLC. This is a year to re-build relations, re-energise both Enstone and Viry and create synergies within the Renault Sport Racing group and the wider Renault-Nissan Alliance. That's not to say that we will write off the year, but we are aiming to put everything in place for improved success in 2017.

There's a lot of transition to be undertaken in a short time; how do you manage this?
Frederic Vasseur, Renault Sport Racing, Racing Director: We know the road map and we have to deliver in the next three or so seasons. The first is to build up the team as one organisation and be sure that everyone works together well. Our first priority is to ensure everything goes smoothly. I don't want to focus only on the process, I know we have to build to success too and we'll have to deliver quickly. There's plenty to do.

What do you think of the component elements of the operation?
FV: Renault has been committed to Formula 1 for over 40 years, and they have a real culture of racing and we see that every day at Viry-Chatillon. Enstone is exactly the same and we can be very proud of that. My first trip to Enstone showed me there was a real attachment to Renault, some of the people here worked for Renault when they were Constructors' champions and Fernando Alonso was winning Drivers' titles. We have a strong basis to build for future success.

This will be your first role in Formula 1, how are you looking forward to this?
FV: It's correct that this is my first role in Formula 1 but I have worked a long apprenticeship in the junior categories and I'm eager to translate everything I've learnt over many years of competing elsewhere into the challenge of Formula 1. This is a new experience for me, but racing is racing and the target is always the same! The approach you need to win is the same no matter what the category.

What attracted the team to select Kevin for driving duties?
FV: Kevin has a good mix of experience and youth. He had a strong race season at McLaren two years ago and showed his ability in the junior categories such as Formula Renault 3.5. He can target winning races and championships as he has the talent. The fact he had a lack of mileage last year will motivate him and he'll be chomping at the bit to get back into it all. It's important for us because we all know 2016 won't be an easy season. We know where we are starting from and we need motivated characters like Kevin to keep pushing hard.

It's a big challenge for Jolyon in his rookie season?
FV: Jolyon goes from being the Third Driver for a private team to becoming the Race Driver for a manufacturer team and the driver with the most experience with the team. He has a very mature head on his shoulders and we know from his 2014 GP2 Series title that he can deliver against the very best on track. It's a rookie year for Jolyon, but we've seen that rookies can deliver so we are happy with the line-up we have behind the wheel.

We have one of France's top young drivers in Esteban. How exciting is it to have him as part of the line-up?
FV: Esteban is the GP3 champion and he beat Max Verstappen to the European Formula 3 title in 2014. He's probably one of the most successful young drivers over the last few years. He will have a fantastic year ahead of him with his role as Third and Reserve Driver for us, as well as further programmes with Mercedes. It's a great opportunity for him and we thank Mercedes-Benz for their support here. Esteban raced for my teams with Mercedes and Genii support and I know his talent and ability.