Renault’s return to Formula One has caused quite a stir in the motorsports world and, when the company called the world’s motorsports media to a launch in France, they went rushing.
It appeared, afterwards, that there wasn’t really much to see. The car they put on display wasn’t the one they will be racing in next year, and the livery might change before too long too. The news that ex-McLaren driver Kevin Magnussen would be replacing Pastor Maldonado was already common knowledge, so did we really learn anything from the launch?
Formula One isn’t the only motorsports venture the car manufacturer is a part of. Renault’s name reaches far and wide and we really caught a glimpse of that at the launch.
“Motorsports still spark the imagination of both enthusiasts and everyday drivers,” said CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We are putting a comprehensive programme in place today.”
Renault has two aims going into the future. First, it wants to promote the Renault Sport brand to wider audiences, which is where the Formula One team comes in. The plan is that Renault’s involvement in the world wide sport will boost awareness of the brand, especially in markets where it is a newcomer.
The second is to showcase other aspects of the Renault range through their ventures in the Clio Cup series and Formula E. Renault committed itself to Formula E until at least season four with Renault e.dams, the current team champions. Renault will develop and supply the full powertrain to the team in the coming seasons.
So we didn’t see the car and we might not even have seen the livery, but the launch did show us the key personnel for Renault’s return to Formula One.
First, there are the drivers. Jolyon Palmer was confirmed at the end of last season to be racing for the outfit Renault took over from, alongside Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado. Recently, it became clear that Magnussen would be taking over from Maldonado, which was confirmed at the launch in France.
Mercedes development programme driver, Esteban Ocon, was also confirmed as the Third and Reserve driver.
Behind the scenes will be Bob Bell, who was appointed F1 Chief Technical Officer, Nick Chester, the Chassis Technical Director, and Rémi Taffin, the Engine Technical Director.
We also learned where things would be taking place. The Renault R.S.16 Chassis will be developed at Enstone, UK, whilst the power until will continue to be developed in Viry-Châtillon in France.
No comments:
Post a Comment