IndySpeedway.com
| The Renault Formula One Team - The Start Of 2006 Season |
Renault launches the R26 in Monaco
February 1st
Technical director Bob Bell outlined the differences between the new car and its
predecessor. "In visual terms, the aerodynamic package is completely new," he
explained. The most striking elements are the smaller sidepods to take account of
the reduced cooling capacity of the V8 engine, but there are no carry-over items in
any area."
"Under the skin, the major mechanical change is that we will be using a 7-speed
titanium gearbox for the first time. The V8 engines have less torque than their
predecessors, and moving to a seven speed gearbox allows us to exploit very
effectively the power and torque characteristics of the new engine."
Renault retains the same management, technical team and race driver line-up as
last season
Alonso sprung a surprise when, just weeks after he and Renault were crowned
2005 champions, he announced that he would be leaving the French squad to join
rivals McLaren in 2007.
Heikki Kovalainen, runner up in the GP2 championship last year and long-time
Renault protégé, takes over the official test and third driver role. "I think the goal is
simple: I need to develop as a driver," the Finn said of his objectives this season.
"This is a perfect opportunity to work alongside Fernando and Giancarlo, and to
learn from them. They are both at the top of our profession, proven race winners,
and fantastic drivers. For me, it is great to be in a situation where I can compare
myself with the guys who are representing the team at the races."
Managing director Flavio Briatore concluded: "We have a simple rule: the priority is
what makes the car go faster. We are proud of the efficiency of the team. Last
year, Renault won the championship with three times' less money than some of our
competitors. There is always pressure at the start of a championship, and there is
no point hiding from it. 2005 was an exceptional season for us, and we hope to do
it again this year."
February 1st
Technical director Bob Bell outlined the differences between the new car and its
predecessor. "In visual terms, the aerodynamic package is completely new," he
explained. The most striking elements are the smaller sidepods to take account of
the reduced cooling capacity of the V8 engine, but there are no carry-over items in
any area."
"Under the skin, the major mechanical change is that we will be using a 7-speed
titanium gearbox for the first time. The V8 engines have less torque than their
predecessors, and moving to a seven speed gearbox allows us to exploit very
effectively the power and torque characteristics of the new engine."
Renault retains the same management, technical team and race driver line-up as
last season
Alonso sprung a surprise when, just weeks after he and Renault were crowned
2005 champions, he announced that he would be leaving the French squad to join
rivals McLaren in 2007.
Heikki Kovalainen, runner up in the GP2 championship last year and long-time
Renault protégé, takes over the official test and third driver role. "I think the goal is
simple: I need to develop as a driver," the Finn said of his objectives this season.
"This is a perfect opportunity to work alongside Fernando and Giancarlo, and to
learn from them. They are both at the top of our profession, proven race winners,
and fantastic drivers. For me, it is great to be in a situation where I can compare
myself with the guys who are representing the team at the races."
Managing director Flavio Briatore concluded: "We have a simple rule: the priority is
what makes the car go faster. We are proud of the efficiency of the team. Last
year, Renault won the championship with three times' less money than some of our
competitors. There is always pressure at the start of a championship, and there is
no point hiding from it. 2005 was an exceptional season for us, and we hope to do
it again this year."