Renault Formula 1 – Forty Years of Racing Evolution
Held at the country estate of Lord and Lady March, the Goodwood Festival of Speed has been happening annually since 1993. Every year car enthusiasts and speed demons gather in West Sussex for a weekend of revving engines, intoxicating petrol fumes and a glimpse into the past, present and future of motoring.The Festival of Speed is an opportunity for automakers to display their finest for all to see. But the real highlight is the Hillclimb, where some of the vehicles get to show what they can do.
This year’s event themed ‘Peaks of Performance – Motorsport’s Game-Changers’, marked 40 years of Formula 1 participation for Renault. The French car company showcased a selection of sports cars that were representative of its rich history in motorsport. From the 1902 Renault K to the 2027 Vision Concept, visitors were treated to a firsthand glance of some of the most iconic vehicles in the sport. But it was not just the cars that were no display. Renault was also supported by drivers past and present, among them were current F1 driver Jolyon Palmer as well as great names from yesteryear Robert Kubica, Sergey Sirotkin, Jean Ragnotti, René Arnoux, Eric Leroux, Nicolas Navarro and Jean Pierre Prevot.
The Past
Formula 1 Past – The 1977 Renault F1 RS 01
The 1977 Renault F1 RS 01 was, without a doubt, a motorsport game changer. With the financial backing of Elf, the oil company, Renault began an R and D programme that developed a V6 turbo engine for its Formula 1 racers. It was the first F1 manufacturer to fit one of its racers with a turbo-charged engine. And the Festival of Speed gave fans the opportunity to see the RS 01 in its full glory as it raced up the hill.
The Present
Present Day Formula 1 – Renault R.S.17
Renault’s current F1 endeavours were represented by the R.S.17, which is being driven by Nico Hulkenberg and Joylon Palmer this season. Only on display, this incredible vehicle has launched Renault into the spotlight after just two years back as a Constructor. Palmer was at the Festival of Speed to showcase his talent and the R.S.17 that he has been tasked with driving this season.
The Future
The Future of Formula 1 – 2027 Vision Concept
Never one to rest on its laurels, Renault are continually forging ahead, breaking the mould and setting the bar extremely high for others to follow. And the 2027 Vision Concept from Renault Sport that was on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is no exception. Showcasing Renault’s vision for the future of motorsport, the 2027 Vision Concept has combined environmentally friendly technology with high performance, while providing a platform for the drivers to perform like the finest athletes. Emitting one megawatt of power, this four wheel drive is powered by Kinetic Energy Recovery and promises to deliver unparalleled traction as it speeds around the track. With autonomous drive technology installed to be initialised in the event of a crash as well as a closed cockpit and titanium roll bars that pop up should there be a serious accident.
Even before its entry into Formula 1 racing, Renault has been at the fore of motorsport and looks set to be there for a long time to come. If history teaches us anything it is that Renault will continue to strive for poll position both on and off the track.
Well, you might not be a Formula one driver, but you certainly can experience some of the true blue Renault racing spirit in the Renault Megane RS!
