Daniel Ricciardo says Renault will need to increase the pace of development of its car in 2019 if the French outfit ambitions to bridge the gap with F1's trio of front-runners.

Upon his arrival at the French squad at the end of last year, Ricciardo pinpointed Renault's development programme as a potential source of improvement in the team's quest to join the fight at the front of the grid.

"Our main target is to finish fourth or even better this year," the Aussie told France's L'Equipe.

"The gap with the top-three is big, and it's not going to decrease overnight. It must be addressed by developing the car.

"Speaking with Nico [Hulkenberg] and understanding how the team works, I know that last year's development pace wasn't as good as they expected it to be.

"We must understand what the car needs but also make sure that the necessary evolutions are implemented as quick as possible.

"It will be a crucial factor in our ability to bridge the gap."

Based on its pre-season form, it appears that Renault will hold its own in the pecking order in Melbourne.

But the Aussie admits he's team is more interested in where it ends the season rather than where its starts its 2019 campaign.

"It’s impossible to make accurate performance predictions," he added.

"We still have work to do and things to improve on and that’s what we’ll focus on now.

"We are making progress but the bigger steps will happen gradually going forward. I’m heading to Melbourne feeling that I belong here and I just want to go racing now!"

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