30 Years of Renault F1

Silverstone marks the 30th celebration of Renault in modern F1

By Adam towler / Tuesday, 3 July 2007 / Loading comments

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.