SEPTEMBER 18, 2016

Magnussen wants to keep beating Palmer

Kevin Magnussen is keeping his sights on beating his current teammate, as he waits to see if he will be retained by Renault for 2017.

According to the Danish newspaper BT, Magnussen was disappointed to qualify just 17th in Singapore.

"Of course I'm not happy with 17th," he said.

"It makes no sense that I was 12th at Spa and 17th here on a track that should suit us better."

Renault is even using a new specification of engine this weekend in Singapore.

"The engine update didn't make much difference, but the driveability is a little better," Magnussen said.

"The new fuel also gives a bit more power -- not much, but it's still impressive what you can get from the fuel alone," he added.

Magnussen said it is also important that he managed to outqualify his Renault teammate Jolyon Palmer by a tenth.

"Of course it's important," he said, "especially during a time when the drivers will be selected.

"If there is a situation where only one of the drivers is changed, it's important that it is me and not him. So it's a pity not to get even higher up in qualifying," Magnussen is quoted by the Danish broadcaster TV3.

(GMM)