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The Renault R26 - 2006 F1 Contender
Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 11:53 am
by Ed
On Tuesday the 10th of January the Renault R26 made its track debut at the Jerez track.
Renault become the 3rd Formula 1 team to run their 2006 contender on the track.
Giancarlo Fisichella was the first of the Renault drivers to test the new car and his initial impressions were positive. He said:
We had a very promising first day with the R26. I felt comfortable straight away, and the programme was to do as much mileage as possible, while proceeding with all the checks you have to do on a new car. This wasn't a day to go for lap-times, and it was hard to get the tyres working in the cold temperatures. The V8 engine felt very good, similar to our predictions and it was reliable for the first run. My first impression is that this is a car with a lot of potential.
Bob Bell, Chassis Technical Director said:
Today was the first milestone on the road to the opening race of the season in Bahrain. The R26-RS26 project has put everybody in the team to the test over the winter, and they delivered today when the car ran on time, on the day we planned nearly a year ago. After our initial installation laps, our work proceeded smoothly. As with any new car, there were some minor issues to resolve, but we did not encounter any major problems and gradually began completing some longer runs. The purpose of the day was very simple: to put miles on the new package. From what Giancarlo could tell, the car is responding in the same way as the R25 ? which is in line with our predictions, and our objectives. The engine's first track test went very smoothly, and the V8 was behaving normally as it completed nearly 200km. All in all, it was a pleasing opening day of testing with the new car.
The Renault R26 will be officially presented on the 31st of January
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 12:58 am
by Ed
The Renault F1 Team presented today (Tuesday) the R26 at Monaco. The aim is to be fighting for the Championship in the final races.
Renault F1 Team President Patrick Faure said:
In terms of performance objectives, there can be only one: to be fighting for the world championship in the final races.
We enter the year with an unchanged line-up in our management, our drivers and our technical team. Everybody at Viry and Enstone has been working to prepare a technical package capable of keeping us at the top. Complacency has no place at Renault. We are focused on repeating our successes.
Full Renault Statement
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 6:59 am
by Julian Mayo
Some interesting body language there ! Note the clenched fist sitting on Alonso's shoulder.
Fisi is being pulled in, Alonso is on the outer.
Fisi has relaxed open hands, Alonso is "hiding his cards".
Hmm, Alonso could be in for a tough year.
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 7:00 am
by BlinkyBill
I dont see genuinely happy faces in that shot.
Discomfort between boss and champ perhaps?
Fisi seems the only one happy - maybe he feels he will get more attention this year.
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 7:04 am
by BlinkyBill
I agree Mayo . . . some unresolved feelings their perhaps.
Still, all renault need to do is produce a good car and FA will be on or near the top. . .cant see Bria doing something that jeopardises a second dual championship.
What will be interesting is what happens if Renault get off to a shaky start and get under pressure, or even still, get out of touch with the front runners. . . could be some interesting times then.
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 7:10 am
by Julian Mayo
Its hard to see, but the car looks like an old - fashioned "twin keel" design:shock:
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 10:24 am
by JayVee
Here comes the doubters again!
When Renault decided to test the V8 only in the new car, a few here were
about how unreliable it will be.
When it ran reliably from the first day those doubters never said anything and I am sure they are dying for news about a Renault engine failure to start the
again but sorry but you'll wait a while!
Today they are talking about an old fashioned car. Well I don't know much about car design and aerodynamics but the Renault was the fastest 2006 car in Barcelona in the last test.
As for interpreting the photos you can make what you want from a photo, Alonso wants to defend his title and Renault want to defend theirs. They have a common aim.
But it is good to see how you are watching every move Alonso The Cute makes
Renault
WILL retain both titles
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 11:45 am
by mlittle
I think JayVee's right on this one. I believe Alonso's going to get that second cons. WDC, but unlike last year, I also believe that McLaren, Toyota and Ferrari will challenge for the WCC. Still, unless there are major problems during the season, I think it's safe to assume that the WDC is Alonso's to lose and not anyone else's to win.
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 6:53 pm
by Kapel
Looks like lot of work has gone on the back of the car..Seems interesting..
I dont think the photo says anything...i have a sneaky feeling ,Flavio was somehow involved with Alonso's move.
& everything else is just a make up.
The title defenders look in good shape..lets c how they shape up
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 7:21 pm
by Kapel
Julian Mayo wrote: Alonso is "hiding his cards".
He's hiding his engagement ring
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 7:40 pm
by Julian Mayo
is that a wisp of smoke from the Renault engine ?
Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 12:15 pm
by JayVee
Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 12:28 pm
by Julian Mayo
The others have strong eights
Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 12:55 pm
by JayVee
Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 4:29 pm
by Ed
Those were the only shots available soon after the launch.
Since then more shots were available. Here is one that you may like
