Tuesday 3rd July 2007

30 Years of Renault F1

Silverstone marks the 30th celebration of Renault in modern F1

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Renault is celebrating 30 years of modern F1 participation at the British Grand Prix this year, and to mark the occasion they’ve painted one of last year’s R26 racers in the classic retro colours of the car that started it all for the company in the modern era - the 1977 RS01.

It was at the British Grand Prix in 1977 that the RS01 made its debut with Jean-Pierre Jabouille at the wheel, and with it the 1.5 litre V6 car brought turbo power to F1 – heralding a decade of huge power outputs and spectacular racing.

Although early reliability issues proved frustrating for Renault in its first season, the work done on the turbo engine led to significant success in later years. Former engine chief Bernard Dudot commented that the five Renault world titles of the 1990’s were, “built on the school time of the turbo programme.”

Renault returned to Formula One with its own chassis, engine and team in 2002. Back-to-back World Drivers’ and World Constructors’ titles followed in 2005 and 2006.

[2volvos]

They'd be better off using the RS01 this weekend...

[johnph]

WIth what the technical working group is proposing they will be using its engine in a few years.

[Eric Mc]

The unreliability of the Renault turbo engine lasted a lot longer than that first season.

[nrayner]

Would love to see them circulating together with some spirit behind the wheels to see how the dynamics differ.

[deevlash]

How much nicer does that look than the current vomit coloured offering?

[johnph]

deevlash said:

How much nicer does that look than the current vomit coloured offering?

I'd say the Honda looks like vomit at a distance, but looks quite good up close (even tho i hate the thinking behind it). The r27 reminds me of a cadburys creme egg.

[scotty_917]

I remember cutting off the front spoilers (either side of the nose section!) on my RS01 scalextric car...and did I think it looked cool or what??? ......was about 10 at the time!

[jimi]

That colour scheme is ace. They should run that instead of their current rubbish!

[turbomachine]

Totally agree with 'jimi' about the colour scheme. Current one is abosulety minging, bring back the blue and yellow or even this new shceme, looks so much better than the current crap.

[flattotheboards]

looks pretty cool they should use that colour scheme at silverstone.