Spirit of Racing
Man's urge to compete in races is probably as old as the wheel itself. So, when the automobile was invented, one of the first things men did was to push the accelerator and see who could go the fastest. Although the plans for a worldwide motor racing were discussed since the early 1900s, it took up till 1950 for Formula One (initially known as Formula A) to take shape.
Blazes of Glory
The RS01 made its debut in the 1977 British GP in the hands of Jabouille. Nicknamed the ‘Yellow Teapot,’ the car retired from its first race, but not before it had made a big impression. Four further outings at the end of the year provided more valuable experience. When Alain Prost joined in 1981 the Renault team developed into a regular pacesetter, and a World Championship contender. Indeed Prost only just missed out on the title in 1983, though later went on to win 4 titles, claiming his place in history as one of the greats. Renault also extended it involvement to that of engine supplier, forming partnerships with the Lotus, Ligier and Tyrrell teams.
Moving forward to 2005, Fernando Alonso was the man to beat as he won the drivers’ title and Renault took the constructors’ version. Despite the huge change from V10 to V8 technology for 2006, the team was able to sustain its momentum as it again captured both titles.
In 2007 a new partnership was formed with Red Bull Racing and it didn’t take long for the alliance to emerge as the dominant force in Formula One. In 2010 both drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, were title contenders from the start of the season. At the end of the year Vettel emerged triumphant as the youngest champion in the history of the sport, while Red Bull-Renault earned the constructors’ championship. Of course, Vettel and Red Bull-Renault have since gone on to win both the driver’s and constructors’ titles in 2011, 2012, 2013, creating one of the greatest winning streaks in F1® history.
New era. New rules.
The 2014 season will bring with it a sea change in terms of rules and regulation, but the new RS27 engine will try to ensure that the results stay as they are.
Power:
- 1.6L direct injection Turbo V6.
- Unique pressure charging architecture: single turbine and compressor (plus E-motor allowed).
- 5 Power Units per driver per season in 2014, reducing to 4 in subsequent years.
Economy:
- Fuel quantity for the race limited to 100 kg initially (-35% from now - currently unlimited).
- Fuel mass flow rate limited to 100 kg/hr max – (currently unlimited).
- Potent Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) are now allowed.
Talking about a Revolution
| Displacement | |
| Rev Limit | 15,000rpm |
| Pressure charging | Single turbocharger, unlimited boost pressure (typical maximum 3.5 bar abs due to fuel flow limit) |
| Fuel flow limit | 100 kg/h (-40%) |
| Permitted Fuel quantity per race | 100 kg (-35%) |
| Configuration | 90° V6 |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Number of valves | 4 per cylinder, 24 |
| Exhausts | Single exhaust outlet, from turbine on car centre line |
| Fuel | Direct fuel injection |
| Number of Power Units permitted per driver per year | 5 |
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