Renault are often held up examples of how ‘restrained’ spending can still be effective within Formula One. Everything is relative of course, but compared to the giga-spending of Toyota, Renault are positively frugal, and excellent value for money when you consider how many races each team has won in the last four years (Renault 18, … Continue reading Renault out-spent McLaren in ’05
Renault articles archive
Renault
F1 2006 Review: Race-by-race
Posted onThe teams meet for the first race of the season, with different looking cars, some in strange new colour schemes. Then, in no time at all, the chequered flag is falling for the final time and a new champion is crowned. This year saw controversy off and on the track, but the season was redeemed … Continue reading F1 2006 Review: Race-by-race
Damper D-Day
Posted onThe predictable confirmation that the FIA’s ban on mass damper systems will be upheld has dealt a stinging blow to Renault’s hopes of retaining both the drivers and constructors championships. Fernando Alonso currently leads Michael Schumacher by ten points in the drivers’ championship and Renault head Ferrari byseven in the constructors’s title race. But the … Continue reading Damper D-Day
F1 car makers threaten walk-out
Posted onThe stakes have been raised in the dispute between the FIA and car manufacturers over the FIA’s controversial plans to freeze engine development. According to an article in today’s Sunday Times the GPMA-aligned manufacturers are threatening to leave the sport if the terms of Max Mosley’s engine plans are not changed. One executive summer up … Continue reading F1 car makers threaten walk-out
2007: Who goes where part 1
Posted onWith no word still on Michael Schumacher’s destination for 2007 paddock speculation is rife. The latest rumour emblazoned across the front of this month’s F1 Racing has Schuey in a BMW in 2008 in a deal worth $1bn to the German superstar. Let’s take a look at how the grid may line up next year:
F1 Exhibition Opens
Posted onFormula One – The Great Design Race opens today at the Design Museum in Shad Thames, London. The exhibition features some pioneering examples of design in Formula One such as the ground effect Lotus 79 and active suspension Williams FW14B. It spans the entire history of Formula One from the 1950s (Cooper T51) right up … Continue reading F1 Exhibition Opens
Drivers half-season report – Part 2
Posted onNine races into the 2006 season the drivers’ championship is looking increasingly one-sided. The second part of our half-season report looks at the drivers who have excelled so far this year – and one or two who may be worried about their prospects of getting a good seat for 2007. Tags f1 / formula one … Continue reading Drivers half-season report – Part 2
Drivers half-season report – Part 1
Posted onThe Canadian Grand Prix marked the halfway point in the 2006 season, which seems a worthwhile time to take stock of how the drivers are faring up and down the pitlane. Don’t miss the second part coming up before the United States Grand Prix. Tags f1 / formula one / grand prix / motor sport
Too many drivers, too few drives
Posted onThe annual game of ‘who goes where’ for next year is on hiatus until the truth about Michael Schumacher’s future is known – and that is not expected to come until September. F1Fanatic has it’s own view on what Schumacher will do, but team principles up and down the pit lane are wisely biding their … Continue reading Too many drivers, too few drives
Thoughts from abroad #2
Posted onDavid Richards is the name most people are linking to the empty 12th slot on the grid for 2008 – and rightly so. Of the other known possible new teams for ’08 his Prodrive outfit is clearly the most credible – whatever tedious local protesters may have to say. Richards set out his stall as … Continue reading Thoughts from abroad #2
Alonso wins again after pole winner Button blows up
2006 Australian Grand Prix review
Posted onFernando Alonso stamped his authority all over the Australian Grand Prix – while the field behind him fell by the wayside. Michael Schumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jenson Button were among the casualties. Button rocketed to pole position on Saturday on a very competitive fuel load, and successfully converted the advantage into the race lead. … Continue reading Alonso wins again after pole winner Button blows up
F1 Fanatic season guide 2006
Posted onThe first decade of the 21st century is proving one of the most turbulent in the entire history of Formula One, in terms of changes to the rules of racing. 2006 sees the biggest change to the engine rules since turbos were banned at the end of 1988, as 2.4- litre V8s replace 3-litre V10s. … Continue reading F1 Fanatic season guide 2006
Renault enjoy it while it lasts
Posted onThe winter issue of Renault’s consumer magazine (inspiringly titled The Renault Magazine) carries a 13-page spread by Anthony Rowlinson on Fernando Alonso’s championship success. Renault boss Carlos Ghosn has publicly stated that to him, Formula One is only of value when his team is winning. With Alonso off to McLaren in 2007, can Renault stay … Continue reading Renault enjoy it while it lasts
de la Rosa charges Renault
Posted onMcLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa charged championship rivals Renault with using illegal team orders on lap two of the Turkish Grand Prix. Pat Symonds’ order to Fernando Alonso to pass Giancarlo Fisichella was heard on the FOCA TV coverage. But the order to Fisichella was missed.Team orders were supposedly banned after Ferrari’s fixing … Continue reading de la Rosa charges Renault
Webber’s Williams woe
Posted onWilliams may have won the final round at Brazil in 2004, but as Mark Webber is about to discover all is not well down at Grove
The rules unravelled
Posted onThe FIA’s new rules are designed to make the sport more affordable (or, at least, a shade less astronomically expensive) and more entertaining.
2005 team-by-team
Posted onWho’s there and who’s nowhere heading into the new season – we break down what the ten teams have got going for and against them.