RENAULT SPORT 2013 MEDIA GUIDE
2013
FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES
TOUTE RESSEMBLANCE
AVEC UNE CATÉGORIE SUPÉRIEURE
EST PARFAITEMENT VOLONTAIRE www.renaultsport.com
LA FILIÈRE F1 !
Vettel, Vergne, Bianchi, Ricciardo, Pic, Maldonado, Van der Garde. Tous ces pilotes sont passés par la «Formula Renault 3.5 Series» et ont gagné des courses. C’est dire si cette catégorie est un excellent tremplin pour la discipline reine ! Suivez le championnat 2013 sur internet et à la télévision afin de détecter vous aussi les champions de demain.
EDITORIAL
This guide offers an overview of Renault Sport Technologies’ motorsport activities for the 2013 season. The World Series by Renault is the most high-profile of all our activities. And its reputation continues to grow, with many drivers accessing F1 via our singleseater competitions. We are particularly pleased to see the Formula Renault 3.5 Series cement itself as a leading championship, one that consistently attracts the gaze of those responsible for unearthing the next Sebastian Vettel. This will be the ninth season of the World Series by Renault. And it will feature several firsts, starting with the arrival of New Clio Cup and the updated Formula Renault 2.0. Renault Sport Technologies also has a strong commitment to rally racing. As well as running Trophy competitions in several countries for our Twingo R.S. R1 and R2 models, we also have two Mégane R.S. N4s entered in this season’s FIA European Rally Championship. After last year’s title wins in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, we have high hopes of yet more success this season. Just as we do every year, we will be venturing into uncharted territory again this season. Last year we held the first ever international race meeting at Moscow Raceway, and this year we will be taking the World Series by Renault to Austria for the very first time. We will also be involved in rallies in Australia and Chile. Let me take this opportunity to wish you a fantastic season, one full of excitement and top-class racing.
PATRICE RATTI Managing Director, Renault Sport Technologies
1
CONTENTS
RENAULT SPORT
WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT
2
Editorial Communication staff Media tools
01 04 05
Renault and motorsport: a proud history Renault Sport and motorsport in 2013 Renault Sport Championships Formula Renault 3.5 Formula Renault 2.0 Formula Renault 1.6 Mégane Trophy V6 New Clio Cup Mégane R.S. N4 Twingo R.S. R2 Evo Twingo R.S. R1 Mégane R.S. New Clio R.S. 200 EDC Twingo R.S. GT & GT Line
8 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
The recipe for success The 2013 programme A breeding ground for Formula One Partners On-track entertainment The Renault Village TV coverage 2013 race calendar Monza Motorland Aragón Imola Monaco Spa-Francorchamps Moscou Raceway Red Bull Ring Hungaroring Circuit Paul Ricard Circuit de Catalunya
30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55
FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES Formula Renault 3.5 Series Formula Renault 3.5 detailed review Formula Renault 3.5 Series regulations 2012 Season review 2013 Drivers and teams
58 60 64 66 68
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Formula Renault 2.0 detailed review Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 regulations 2012 Season review 2013 Drivers and teams
74 76 80 82 84
EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0
EUROCUP MÉGANE TROPHY Eurocup Mégane Trophy Mégane Trophy V6 detailed review Eurocup Mégane Trophy regulations 2012 Season review 2013 Drivers and teams
90 92 96 98 100
Eurocup Clio New Clio Cup detailed review Eurocup Clio regulations 2012 Season review
104 106 110 112
FIA European Rally Championship ERC Renault Sport Team Drivers Twingo R1 & R2 France Trophies France Trophies Regulations French Junior Rally Champion Mégane R.S. N4 Twingo R.S. R2 Evo Twingo R.S. R1
116 118 120 122 124 126 127 128
EUROCUP CLIO
RALLY
3
COMMUNICATIONS STAFF RÉGIS FRICOTTÉ Communication Director, Renault Sport Tel.: +33 1 768 24 122 E-mail: regis.fricotte@renault.com
MARIE-HÉLÈNE DE RABAUDY Press and Communication Manager, Renault Sport Tel.: +33 622 571 901 E-mail: marie-helene.de-rabaudy@renault.com
MÉLANIE TAUPIN TV Rights and Media Manager, Renault Sport Tel.: +33 627 642 166 E-mail: melanie.taupin@renault.com
BLANCA DE FORONDA World Series by Renault Press Manager Tel.: +34 639 760 402 E-mail: blanca@wsbyrenault.com
4
MEDIA TOOLS MEDIA.RENAULTSPORT.COM Renault Sport provides media professionals with a dedicated website. If you have not already registered, go to http://media.renaultsport.com and create your profile to keep right up to date with all Renault’s motorsport competitions. Email list subscription Select the press releases you would like to receive by email. The choice is yours. Photos We have a large bank of high-definition photos, not subject to copyright and exclusively for press use. For any other use, please contact us. Documents Download the press kits, PDF race results and overall standings, etc. WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT ELECTRONIC MEDIA GUIDE Available at http://mediaguide.wsbyrenault.com or from http://media.renaultsport.com, our easy-to-access electronic media guide provides you with information on the drivers in all four World Series by Renault events, not to mention a host of stats on the season as it unfolds. Featuring driver data sheets complete with a photo, as well as career records, this season’s results, team data sheets, all the season’s press releases, qualifying and race results, championship standings and statistics, the electronic media guide is a valuable mine of information. USEFUL LINKS AND SOCIAL NETWORKS Official websites www.renaultsport.com www.worldseriesbyrenault.com Facebook www.facebook.com/RenaultSport www.facebook.com/WorldSeriesbyRenault Flickr www.flickr.com/renaultsport YouTube www.youtube.com/renaultsport
Twitter @WSR_Live WSR Live timing intranetwsr.alkamelsystems.com Broadcast footage downloads wsr.news2use.tv WSR apps Available at the App Store (Apple iPhone and iPad) and Google Play (Android). Just search for ‘World Series by Renault’. 5
RENAULT AND MOTORSPORT: A PROUD HISTORY
1935 After the foundation of the company in 1898, Louis Renault came to understand the importance of motorsport in developing brand image. Renault quickly made a name for itself with the invention of direct-drive transmission, the first innovation patented by the firm. That early success continued with a series of notable Grand Prix victories, including Paris-Trouville in 1899 and l’Automobile Club de Dieppe in 1913. With the start of the First World War came an enforced break from competition, but Renault would not be away from motorsport for long. In 1925 Renault claimed its first victory at the Rallye Monte-Carlo with the imposing 40CV and enjoyed great success in the battle for the land-speed record. As cars grew in popularity after the Second World War, so the models used in motorsport became more compact. 8
The Renault 4CV and its successor, the Dauphine, both enjoyed considerable success. But it was the arrival of the Renault 8 that really brought a new dimension to the world of competitive motorsport. In 1958 Renault chose the great Amédée Gordini to head up its motorsport division, and he duly set about developing the range. One of his creations, the Renault 8 Gordini, would become a symbol of success for a generation of drivers,
1968
excelling in rallies, hillclimbs and on the track. The car’s popularity led to the creation, in 1966, of the Renault 8 Gordini Cup, an event widely considered the invention of single-make saloon car championships. On 18 and 19 July 1970 the Renault 12 was launched, marked by ‘G-day’ – a huge gathering of Gordini owners at the Paul Ricard circuit. That spirit of that event, in many ways, lives on today through the World Series by Renault.
1972
1973
Formula Renault was born around the same time, with the early cars using the R12 Gordini engine. The first French Formula Renault championship was held in 1971. In 1973, Renault acquired a majority stake in the French car manufacturer Alpine. That year would prove to be a major milestone for the marque, as it was the year the Alpine A110 ‘Berlinette’ won the inaugural World Rally Championship. Renault Sport was officially founded in 1976 to bring together the motorsport activities of Alpine and Gordini. Renault began its involvement in Formula One a year later, in 1977, pioneering its turbocharged V6 engine at a time when the category was dominated by the Cosworth V8. Renault’s turbo engine powered the Alpine A442B of Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud to victory in the 1978 Le Mans 24 Hours. And the first F1 win came in 1979, with Jean-Pierre Jabouille driving the RS11 to victory in the French Grand Prix. The Renault team
1978
1979 9
RENAULT AND MOTORSPORT: A PROUD HISTORY 1981
1982
1993
1996
went on win a total of 15 Grands Prix in that era and finished runners-up in the 1983 World Championship, thanks to Alain Prost, before withdrawing at the end of the 1985 season. During this period, Renault also remained heavily involved in rally racing. In 1977 Guy Frequelin won the French Rally Championship in the formidable Alpine A310 Groupe 5. The Renault 5 Alpine, affectionately known as the ‘skateboard’, gained rapid acclaim with Jean Ragnotti at the wheel, finishing second in the 1978 Monte Carlo Rally. The Renault 5 Turbo earned the manufacturer a string of successes, among them victories in the 1981 Rallye Monte-Carlo and the 1985 Tour de Corse, when the great Jean Ragnotti was at the wheel. Renault’s famous diamond badge also sparkled in the desert, with the Marreau brothers driving the Renault 20 to victory in the 1982 Dakar Rally. Renault returned to F1 in the late 1980s, but this time purely as an engine supplier. Its brilliant V10 made a great impact on the sport, bringing remarkable success to both Williams and Benetton. From 1989 to 1997, Renault engines were behind 75 Grand Prix wins, six constructors’ titles and five drivers’ titles, won by Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. Renault maintained its strong rally presence throughout the 1990s, with rally racing providing the ideal platform
10
2003
prove to be the team’s most productive seasons, and it was eventually sold to Genii Capital in 2011, with Renault opting to focus on its engine supply activities. Renault engines subsequently propelled Red Bull Racing to three constructors’ titles in a row from 2010 to 2012.
to promote its production models. After various versions of the Clio, including the 16S, Williams and Maxi, the Maxi Mégane entered the scene, allowing Philippe Bugalski to add his name to the list of Tour de Corse winners in 1997.
Away from F1, Renault Sport Technologies continued to develop its range of singlemake championships with the Formula Renault 2000 and the Clio Cup. And the Clio Super 1600 enjoyed strong success on the rally circuit, winning several international titles between 2003 and 2005.
Motorsport took something of a back seat in the late 1990s as Renault turned its attention to new projects. But Renault came back to F1 in 2000, buying the Benetton team before officially changing its name to Renault F1 Team in 2002. The new team’s rise coincided with that of a certain Fernando Alonso, who won backto-back world drivers’ titles and helped secure consecutive constructors’ titles for Renault in 2005 and 2006. Those would
The 2005 season brought the creation of the World Series by Renault, following a merger between the Eurocup Formula Renault V6 and the World Series by Nissan. Free to the public, WSR meetings combine top-class competition with ontrack F1 shows and family entertainment. The Renault Sport-organised series has also been a springboard for most of the stars in the current F1 field, including Sebastian Vettel.
2005
11
RENAULT SPORT AND MOTORSPORT IN 2013 FORMULA ONE
Renault Sport F1, 11 world constructors’ titles, including three in a row with Red Bull Racing from 2010 to 2012, continues its F1 involvement this season as an engine supplier. This will be the RS27 V8’s final season, as from 2014, F1 cars will be required to use so-called ‘power units’, formed of a V6 turbo engine and KERS with 10 times the current capacity.
Renault Sport F1 will supply engines to four teams this season: Infiniti Red Bull Racing (S. Vettel/M. Webber); Lotus F1 Team (K. Räikkönen/R. Grosjean); Williams F1 Team (P. Maldonado/V. Bottas) and Caterham F1 Team (C. Pic/G. van der Garde). What is more, seven of the eight drivers benefiting from the RS27 drove in Renault Sport’s singleseater competitions on their way to F1.
WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT
The World Series by Renault returns for its ninth season, with its winning formula of free public entry, top-class single-seater and saloon car championships, on-track demonstrations and a paddock full of family entertainment. Five million fans have already enjoyed WSR meetings, which are 100% free, fast and fun. 12
The series consists of four championships: the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, the Eurocup Mégane Trophy and the Eurocup Clio. The European Le Mans Series will also feature at three of this season’s World Series by Renault meetings.
EUROPEAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
Renault Sport Technologies has officially entered two Mégane R.S. N4 in this year’s European Rally Championship, after the competition was given a makeover by the FIA and its promoter, Eurosport Events. Competing in all seven asphalt events
on the 2013 calendar are the driver/codriver pairs of Robert Consani/Thibaut Gorczyca and Germain Bonnefis/Olivier Fournier, all of whom are aiming for the team and drivers’ titles in the ERC Production Car Cup.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Backed by a full customer-competition range of track and rally cars, Renault Sport Technologies and its partners stage numerous national championships and trophies around the world. Locations include France, Italy, Great Britain, Spain, Sweden, China, Chile and Australia.
Renault’s Argentina division is officially competing in the hugely popular Super TC2000 championship, with a number of V8, 430-bhp Renault Fluence. Two Renault Duster also took part in the 2013 Dakar Rally.
13
RENAULT SPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS
SWEDEN CLIO CUP FR 1.6 UK CLIO CUP TWINGO R1
NEC FR 2.0 FR 1.6 NETHERLANDS GERMANY CLIO CUP TWINGO R1 BELGIUM BOHEMIA TWINGO R1 CLIO CUP FRANCE CLIO CUP TWINGO R1 & R2
SPAIN CLIO CUP
SWITZERLAND TWINGO R1 ALPS FR 2.0 ITALY CLIO CUP TWINGO R2
ARGENTINA FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 14
MOROCCO CLIO CUP
CHINA CLIO CUP
15
FORMULA RENAULT 3.5
LAUNCHED IN 2005 WITH THE WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT, THE FIRST INCARNATION OF THE FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 LAID THE FOUNDATIONS FOR WHAT WOULD BECOME A KEY STEPPING STONE TO F1. THE LATEST VERSION OF THE CAR, INTRODUCED IN 2012, IS THE THIRD TO HAVE BEEN USED IN THE FORMULA RE,AULT 3.5 SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP SO FAR. IT BOASTS A NEW V8 ENGINE GENERATING 530BHP AND DRS, DESIGNED TO GIVE DRIVERS MORE OVERTAKING OPPORTUNITIES. CHASSIS DALLARA T12 CARBON MONOCOQUE ENGINE ZYTEK MOTORSPORT ZRS03 - V8 - 32-VALVE - 3396CC POWER 530 BHP AT 8,500 RPM TORQUE 445 NM AT 7,250 RPM GEARBOX 6-SPEED SEQUENTIAL WITH SHIFTEC PNEUMATIC CONTROL WEIGHT 616 KG (UNLOADED)
MORE INFORMATION ON PAGE 60 16
FORMULA RENAULT 2.0
IN 2013, RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCH A NEW VERSION OF THE WORLD’S BEST-SELLING SINGLE-SEATER. WITH ITS 210BHP ENGINE, DERIVED FROM THAT OF THE CLIO III R.S., FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 DELIVERS PERFORMANCE OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. IT IS ALSO RECOGNISED AS THE IDEAL CAR IN WHICH TO LEARN THE ART OF SINGLE-SEATER RACING, MAKING IT AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE JOURNEY FOR YOUNG DRIVERS ON THEIR WAY TO A CAREER IN MOTORSPORT. CHASSIS TATUUS FR2.0/13 CARBON MONOCOQUE ENGINE RENAULT F4R 832 - 4-CYLINDER - 16-VALVE - 1998CC POWER 210 BHP AT 7,150 RPM TORQUE 220 NM AT 5,500 RPM GEARBOX 7-SPEED SEQUENTIAL WEIGHT 505 KG (UNLOADED)
MORE INFORMATION ON PAGE 76 17
FORMULA RENAULT 1.6
DESIGNED TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN KARTING AND FORMULA RENAULT 2.0, THE FORMULA RENAULT 1.6 OFFERS A SUPERB INITIATION TO SINGLE-SEATER RACING. LAUNCHED IN 2008, THIS MODERN SINGLE-SEATER PROVIDES A GOOD BALANCE BETWEEN MECHANICAL AND AERODYNAMIC GRIP, ALLOWING THE VERY BEST DRIVERS TO SHINE. THE CAR’S 160BHP ENGINE DERIVES FROM THAT OF TWINGO R.S., AND REMAINS FAITHFUL TO THE PRODUCTION VERSION TO MINIMISE COSTS. CHASSIS SIGNATECH CARBON MONOCOQUE ENGINE RENAULT K4MRS - 4-CYLINDER - 16-VALVE - 1598CC POWER 160 BHP AT 7,300 RPM TORQUE 163 NM AT 5,800 RPM GEARBOX 5-SPEED DOG ENGAGEMENT WITH SHIFT-CUT WEIGHT 470 KG (UNLOADED)
18
MÉGANE TROPHY V6
WITH ITS SLEEK, INIMITABLE LOOKS, MÉGANE TROPHY V6 IS A FIRM FANS’ FAVOURITE AND A WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT ICON. TUCKED AWAY UNDER THE BODYWORK OF THE CURRENT MODEL, INTRODUCED IN 2009, IS A TUBULAR CHASSIS WITH A MID-REAR, 400BHP V6 ENGINE AND SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX. AND WITH HANDLING SIMILAR TO THAT OF A SINGLE-SEATER, MÉGANE TROPHY V6 IS SIMPLY A DELIGHT TO DRIVE.
CHASSIS STEEL SPACE FRAME, SELF-SUPPORTING ENGINE AND GEARBOX ENGINE RENAULT V4Y - V6 - 24-VALVE - 3498CC POWER 400 BHP AT 7 200 RPM TORQUE 422 NM AT 5 750 RPM GEARBOX 6-SPEED SEQUENTIAL + REVERSE GEAR WEIGHT 998 KG (UNLOADED)
MORE INFORMATION ON PAGE 92 19
NEW CLIO CUP
THE FOURTH-GENERATION CLIO CUP IS AN ALL-NEW RACE MODEL THAT BUILDS ON THE QUALITIES OF THE POPULAR ROAD VERSION. TAKING NEW CLIO R.S. 200 EDC AS ITS BASE, NEW CLIO CUP USES A 220BHP, 1.6-LITRE DIRECT-INJECTION TURBOCHARGED ENGINE, COUPLED WITH A SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX AND STEERING WHEEL-MOUNTED PADDLE SHIFT. OVERSIZED BRAKES, ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION AND A DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM ARE ALL PART OF THE PACKAGE, ONE THAT IS FAST BECOMING A NEW BENCHMARK IN SINGLE-MAKE SALOON CAR RACING. CHASSIS STEEL MONOCOQUE WITH WELDED ROLL CAGE ENGINE RENAULT M5MT - 4-CYLINDER - 16-VALVE - TURBO - 1618CC POWER 220 BHP AT 6,000 RPM TORQUE 270 NM AT 2,500-5,500 RPM GEARBOX 6-SPEED SEQUENTIAL + REVERSE GEAR WEIGHT 1065 KG (UNLOADED) MORE INFORMATION ON PAGE 106 20
MÉGANE R.S. N4
TO MINIMISE COSTS, GROUP N REGULATIONS PLACE STRICT LIMITS ON MODIFICATIONS TO THE ORIGINAL CAR. THESE CONSTRAINTS ARE A POSITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR MÉGANE R.S. N4, WHICH MAKES FULL USE OF THE TECHNOLOGY FROM THE PRODUCTION MODEL. ITS INDEPENDENT STEERINGAXIS FRONT AXLE, FOR INSTANCE, ENSURES SUPERB TRACTION, HANDLING AND DRIVING COMFORT. DESIGNED FOR RALLIES ON ASPHALT, MÉGANE R.S. N4 ALSO BOASTS A 2.0-LITRE TURBO ENGINE, DELIVERING 280BHP.
CHASSIS STEEL MONOCOQUE WITH WELDED ROLL CAGE ENGINE RENAULT F4RT RS - 4-CYLINDER - 16-VALVE - TURBO - 1998CC POWER 280 BHP AT 4,000 RPM TORQUE 470 NM AT 3,000 RPM GEARBOX DOG RING, 5-SPEED + REVERSE WEIGHT 1276 KG (UNLOADED)
21
TWINGO R.S. R2 EVO
MODERN, RELIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE, TWINGO R.S. R2 EVO, LAUNCHED IN 2012, COMBINES EVERYDAY DRIVEABILITY WITH TOP-CLASS PERFORMANCE. ITS 1.6-LITRE ENGINE PRODUCES 195BHP, AN IMPRESSIVE 47% MORE THAN THE PRODUCTION MODEL. AND WITH ITS SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX AND STEERING WHEEL-MOUNTED JOYSTICK SHIFT, ADJUSTABLE DAMPERS WITH HYDRAULIC STOP, AND REINFORCED RUNNING GEAR, TWINGO R.S. R2 EVO IS BUILT TO DAZZLE ON BOTH DIRT AND ASPHALT.
CHASSIS STEEL MONOCOQUE WITH WELDED ROLL CAGE ENGINE RENAULT K4M RS - 4-CYLINDER - 16-VALVE - 1598CC POWER 195 BHP AT 7,250 RPM TORQUE 200 NM AT 6,000 RPM GEARBOX FIVE-SPEED SEQUENTIAL + REVERSE GEAR WEIGHT 1030 KG (UNLOADED)
22
TWINGO R.S. R1
RENAULT SPORT WAS THE FIRST MANUFACTURER TO GAIN HOMOLOGATION FOR A CAR IN THE R1 CATEGORY, DEVISED BY THE FIA AS AN ENTRY LEVEL FOR ASPIRING YOUNG RALLY DRIVERS. THE CAR IN QUESTION IS TWINGO R.S. R1. AND, IN THE ORIGINAL SPIRIT OF MOTORSPORT, MOST OF THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TWINGO R.S. R1 AND ITS PRODUCTION COUNTERPART LIE IN THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. THE 133BHP, 1.6-LITRE ENGINE AND GEARBOX ARE IDENTICAL TO THE ROAD MODEL, PROVIDING UNRIVALLED DRIVEABILITY.
CHASSIS STEEL MONOCOQUE WITH BOLTED ROLL CAGE ENGINE RENAULT K4M RS - 4-CYLINDER - 16-VALVE - 1598CC POWER 133 BHP AT 6,750 RPM TORQUE 160 NM AT 4,400 RPM GEARBOX FIVE-SPEED + REVERSE GEAR WEIGHT 1030 KG (UNLOADED)
23
MÉGANE R.S.
True to Renault Sport’s tradition of chassis excellence, Mégane R.S. is fitted with an exclusive independent steering axis front suspension for optimum handling and traction. This arrangement ensures stable front suspension geometry under hard acceleration or when applying a significant amount of steering lock, cutting torque steer. The programmed-deflection rear torsion beam uses a new closed-profile beam which ensures the same level of stiffness for less weight. Like all Renault Sport models, Mégane R.S. comes with exceptionally powerful brakes thanks to its four-pot Brembo callipers and 340mm diameter ventilated discs at the front, the biggest available in the hot hatch segment. At the rear, Mégane R.S. is equipped with 290mm-diameter discs.
24
The new R.S. Dynamic Management delivers 15 extra horsepower and 20Nm additional torque. By selecting the Sport Mode, the driver can benefit from peak power of 265hp (instead of 250hp) and torque of 360Nm (instead of 340Nm) for even crisper acceleration response. The Mégane R.S. Trophy limited edition always delivers 265hp/360Nm. To meet the demands of everyday motoring and sporty driving, Mégane R.S. is available with a choice of two chassis: - the Sport chassis, which delivers the ideal balance between sports performance and everyday driving comfort - the Cup chassis, combined with a limited slip differential, delivers outstanding traction, which will appeal particularly to owners looking to enjoy themselves round a circuit.
NEW CLIO R.S. 200 EDC
New Clio R.S. 200 EDC takes the appeal of performance motoring to a new level thanks to the introduction of EDC dual clutch transmission and the new Renault Sport-developed 200hp 1.6 Turbo engine. The car benefits from Renault’s very latest thinking when it comes to comfort and versatility, while Renault Sport Technologies brings the expertise it has forged in motor sport to the table. The result of this unique combination is an easy, enjoyable drive in everyday use. However, should the driver wish, New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC is equally
capable of morphing into a genuine performance car with exceptional credentials. Meanwhile, in addition to its warm, sensuous lines which express its performance mission, New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC combines benchmark dynamics with carefully optimised fuel consumption. Designed by Renault Sport Technologies, New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC is made in Dieppe, Normandy, France, and targets those who appreciate beautiful cars and exacting purists alike.
25
TWINGO R.S.
Twingo R.S. features the sporting interpretation of Renault’s new styling identity, including a dynamic grille design with four lights and a front bumper incoroporating a F1-style blade. This detail, which runs across the R.S. range, recalls Renault’s success in Formula 1. The rear end of the car features a tailgate-mounted lip spoiler, a special bumper incorporating a diffuser and aerodynamic extensions on the rear wheel arches. New Twingo R.S. brings the driving enjoyment and sporty performance associated with Renault Sport Technologies’ experience of motorsport to an even wider audience: - a feisty, normally-aspirated 1.6 16V R.S. engine (133hp at 6,750rpm, and 160Nm of torque at 4,400rpm),
26
- outstanding road holding with the standard Sport chassis. The optional Cup chassis (ride height lowered by 4mm) is an exceptional feature in New Twingo R.S.’s segment, - big brakes: 280mm-diameter front discs and 240mm-diameter rear discs, - unique for a small hot hatch: the optional R.S. Monitor, a functional and fun on-board telemetry system. New Twingo R.S. boasts low CO2 emissions (150g/km, a saving of 3.2 percent compared to the former version) and fuel consumption (6.5 litres/100km, a saving of 3.0 percent).
GT & GT LINE
Renault Sport has put all its know-how into ensuring the Mégane GT’s chassis produces great handling and braking. Fitted with identical rear dampers and tyres to the Mégane R.S. 265, the chassis features anti-roll bars that have also been tweaked to ensure perfect handling. The Mégane’s GT engine comes exclusively with the TCe 180 (petrol, lowpressure turbo compressor) and dCi 160 (turbo direct diesel injection) versions.
The hatchback and estate versions of New Clio GT 120 EDC are versatile, high-end “warm” models which boast Renault Sport’s instantly recognisable cues, from their grille, front and rear bumpers and specific lip spoiler, to their sills, 17-inch wheels, offset LED daytime running lights, twin chromed exhaust tailpipes and GT badging front and rear. 27
THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
SINCE ITS CREATION IN 2005, THE WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT HAS PROVED A HUGE HIT WITH TEAMS, DRIVERS, THE MEDIA AND, ABOVE ALL, THE FANS. EIGHT SEASONS, 57 MEETINGS AND FIVE MILLION SPECTATORS LATER, WSR IS STILL VERY MUCH A SUCCESS STORY. The World Series by Renault came into being in 2005, when Renault Sport Technologies – the then organisers of the Eurocup Formula Renault V6 and 2.0 – joined forces with the World Series by Nissan. The creation of a new series based on the strengths of the two organisations marked the start of a new era.
the fans came out in force, enticed by a programme that offered much more than racing. Serving up a package that included demonstration drives by the Renault F1 Team, vintage cars shows, fun and games in the paddock and free admission, that opening meet drew a family crowd little accustomed to racetracks.
The inaugural WSR season saw three international championships share the bill: the all new World Series Formula Renault 3.5, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Eurocup Mégane Trophy.
There were many other highlights during the course of WSR’s first season, among them the race weekend held in the streets of Bilbao, Spain, and the record crowd of 180,000 that flocked to Le Mans. French singer David Hallyday, who gave a concert on the Saturday evening at Le Mans, said he had never sung in front of so many people before.
The very first meeting took place at Zolder in Belgium on 30 April and 1 May 2005. As the sun shone down 30
World Series’ first champion was Robert Kubica, who went on to impress in the tests he performed for the Renault F1 Team - his reward for winning the title. The Pole graduated to the highest level of motorsport the following season, further enhancing WSR’s credibility. As the Red Bull Junior Team, most of Formula One’s driver development programmes have made the World Series by Renault an obligatory part of the learning curve for their young drivers. Over the years Sebastian Vettel, Jaime Alguersuari, Daniel Ricciardo, Jean-Eric Vergne and Jules Bianchi have all made the switch directly from Formula Renault 3.5 to F1.
In that time Renault’s very own series has also charted new territory, with both Motorland Aragón and Moscow Raceway opening their doors for business by hosting World Series by Renault meetings in 2009 and 2012 respectively.
31
THE 2013 PROGRAMME
The 2013 World Series by Renault season features seven meetings, with five of the tracks proving very familiar to the teams: Motorland Aragón, Spa-Francorchamps, Hungaroring, Circuit Paul Ricard and the Circuit de Catalunya. After its successful debut as part of the 2012 WSR schedule, the Moscow Raceway makes its return to the line-up, while this season’s newcomer is Austria’s Red Bull Ring, as the F1 track in the town of Spielberg is now known. Just as it did last year, Renault Sport Technologies is organising four international championships in all: Formula Renault 3.5 Series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, Eurocup Mégane Trophy and Eurocup Clio. Lovers of endurance racing will also get the chance to see the Supercars International Series at Motorland Aragón, and the European Le Mans Series at Red Bull Ring, Hungaroring and Circuit Paul Ricard, among other attractions. 32
There will also be plenty going on between races, with reigning three-time F1 world champions Infiniti Red Bull Racing sending their Renault RS27-powered RB8 out on the track for a series of demo drives. Race-goers will also have the opportunity to see the team members and the car for themselves in the paddock. An ever-present at the World Series by Renault since its inception, the Renault Classic team will be putting on a dazzling show starring French rally legend Jean Ragnotti and his Maxi 5 Turbo, not to mention half a dozen Alpines retracing the history of the brand. Rounding off the programme is the Renault Sport Show, featuring professional drivers performing a series of stunts at the wheel of cars from the Renault Sport range. Spectators are free to come and go as they please in the paddock, which will host a
number of exclusive events and activities revealing the world of Renault. These include the Time Tunnel, where the Renault’s classic models rub shoulders with its latest creations, the Pitstop Challenge, simulators, recreational areas complete with bouncy castles, and much more besides.
Legendary tracks, elite competitions, exclusive family entertainment and free entry for all: the mainstays of the World Series by Renault are all in place for a new and passionate season that will, as always, be fast, free and fun.
33
A BREEDING GROUND FOR FORMULA ONE SEBASTIAN VETTEL, LEWIS HAMILTON AND KIMI RAIKKONEN, ALL THREE OF THEM FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONS, WERE UNEARTHED AND GROOMED BY THE RENAULT SPORT DRIVER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. IN ALL, 14 OF THE DRIVERS ON THE GRID FOR THE 2013 FORMULA ONE SEASON HAVE TAKEN A SEAT IN A FORMULA RENAULT CAR, MORE THAN 60% OF THE FIELD, WHILE NEARLY ALL OF THE FORMULA ONE TEST DRIVERS HAVE BEEN THROUGH TRAINING AT THE RENAULT ACADEMY.
A lot of hard work has gone into achieving statistics like that, and to aid the World Series by Renault drivers in their development, Renault Sport Technologies runs a series of initiatives to help them meet the requirements of Formula One. “We maintain constant contact between our driver development programme and the four Formula One teams using Renault engines,” said Arnaud Boulanger, Director of Motorsport Renault Sport Technologies. “We leave nothing to chance at our end. From defining the cars to choosing the dates and circuits on the calendar, 34
everything we do is designed to prepare drivers for the highest level.” Thanks to a partnership agreement with Infiniti Red Bull Racing, Formula One will continue to be an integral part of the World Series by Renault. At each WSR meeting the three-time Formula One constructors’ champions and their drivers will be setting the track alight with their Renault V8powered car. Race-goers will also have the chance to check out the Austrian team’s cars in the paddock and see the drivers close up.
FROM FORMULA RENAULT TO FORMULA ONE
JULES BIANCHI
VALTTERI BOTTAS
MAX CHILTON
PAUL DI RESTA
ROMAIN GROSJEAN
LEWIS HAMILTON
PASTOR MALDONADO
FELIPE MASSA
CHARLES PIC
KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN
DANIEL RICCIARDO
GIEDO VAN DER GARDE
2007-2012
2003-2005
2007-2009
JEAN-ERIC VERGNE 2008-2011
2008
2001-2003
1999-2000
SEBASTIEN VETTEL 2006-2007
2009
2003-2006
2007-2011
2003-2004
2000
2003-2008
AND NOT FORGETTING... JÉRÔME D’AMBROSIO (2003-2006), ROBIN FRIJNS (2010-2012), BRENDON HARTLEY (2006-2011), NICOLAS PROST (2004-2005), DAVIDE RIGON (20042005), PEDRO DE LA ROSA (1991-1992), ALEXANDER ROSSI (2010-2012), JAMES ROSSITER (2002-2006), OLIVER TURVEY (2009), DAVIDE VALSECCHI (20062007), SUSIE WOLFF (2002-2004), ETC.
PARTICIPATING DRIVER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES MCLAREN YOUNG DRIVER PROGRAMME, LOTUS F1 JUNIOR TEAM, RED BULL JUNIOR TEAM, FERRARI DRIVER ACADEMY, ÉQUIPE DE FRANCE FFSA, RACING STEPS FOUNDATION, RACB NATIONAL TEAM, ETC. 35
PARTNERS
Elf is a major brand of the Total Group, the world’s fourth largest international oil company and operating in more than 130 countries. Renault and Elf have been motorsport partners for 30 years and have worked together to enhance the performance of both fuels and lubricants under extreme conditions. Consumers reap the benefits of this experience thanks to innovative products that help increase fuel economy, reduce pollution and improve engine protection and efficiency. http://competition.rm.total.com
The Michelin Group, the world’s number one in tyres, has been at the forefront of technology in its field for more than a century. It was Michelin that manufactured the first car tyre, invented radial technology and first introduced it to motorsport. Michelin was at Renault’s side when turbo engines were first introduced in 1977 and now supplies tyres for all Renault Sport competition vehicles. The performance and reliability of tyres supplied by the French manufacturer, as well its technical assistance and understanding of the concept of partnership, are all key elements in achieving excellence. http://www.michelin.com
TechnoPark MotorLand is a leading research centre that covers 212.344m2 in a space with the most modern facilities designed to encourage the development of businesses, technology centres and institutes related with motorsport. TechnoPark MotorLand in Alcañiz is geared towards motorsport and works with the aim of increasing automotive knowledge. It´s a leader in R&D, with a lot of companies from the sector and with institutes and technology centers offering their services to other companies. The possibility to use the facilities and circuits of MotorLand Aragón to ensure their products, makes TechnoPark MotorLand a unique space in the world. With several companies set down and working at full capacity, TechnoPark MotorLand continues growing up and improving in the motorsport industry and making of it one of the most important technological spaces. http://www.technoparkmotorland.com 36
Like the world’s finest car manufacturers, the masters of watchmaking are known for their relentless pursuit of perfection, eschewing production figures for the ultimate in design and craftsmanship. Bernard Richards is one such master. From his base just a few miles from Paris, he maintains the painstaking watch-making traditions passed down by his ancestors, working night and day and with the help of his craftsmen to turn and assemble complex parts that are manufactured nowhere else. The world’s leading luxury and watchmaking brands draw on his services and expertise, in the knowledge that BRM is a byword for genius and the uniquely unconventional. Quality not quantity is what counts at BRM, and with that maxim in mind and to celebrate the start of the new season, the French watchmaker is launching a special-edition World Series by Renault watch. http://www.brm-manufacture.com
Since 1972 Sabelt has been synonymous with the concept of total safety in the automotive industry and racing in general, and a world leader in development, study and production of competition harnesses. Major teams in both F1 and rally put their faith in Sabelt technology to reach the finish line safely. When it comes to driver safety, a triedand-tested and guaranteed harness is just as important as top-quality overalls, helmets and gloves, and in recognition of that, the Sabelt range comprises a comprehensive selection of FIA-homologated products. In its awareness of aesthetics, Sabelt is also a watchword for exclusiveness, research, attention to detail and the exceptional quality the world has come to expect of Italian manufacturing. http://www.sabelt.com
37
ON-TRACK ENTERTAINMENT
INFINITI RED BULL RACING Since the inception of the World Series by Renault in 2005, nearly five million fans have experienced the exhilarating sound of the Renault powered cars. As per last year, the Infiniti Red Bull Racing team will be sending out one of their cars at each meeting of the World Series by Renault calendar. This year’s demo drives mark the return of some former pupils of the Renault Sport driver development programme. Respective Formula Renault 3.5 Series runners-up in 2010 and 2011 and now team-mates at Scuderia Toro Rosso, Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne are just two of the Formula One drivers who will be back in the World Series by Renault paddock. Also joining in the fun will be Infiniti Red Bull Racing test and reserve driver Sebastien Buemi, a former competitor in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. 38
Last but certainly not least, Formula One legend David Coulthard will also be showing off his skills in the WSR arena. A winner of 13 Grands Prix in all and the 2001 Formula One World Championship runner-up, the Scotsman is looking forward to the prospect of taking part in the demo drives for the first time. During his stints with the Williams F1 Team and Red Bull Racing, David Coulthard flew the Renault flag high, driving cars powered by the French manufacturer’s engines with stylish manner.
THE RENAULT CLASSIC SHOW A man whose image is inextricably linked to that of Renault, Jean Ragnotti has been a feature of the World Series by Renault meetings since they came into being. Driving the Maxi 5 Turbo that took him to victory in the 1985 Tour de Corse, the most famous “corner merchant” of them all will be thrilling the fans with his repertoire of sliding stunts and donuts, which are rarely seen on the track.
The Renault Classic Show will also put the spotlight on the Alpine, with the appearance of six models charting the marque’s history: the A106 (1959), the Dinalpin (1967), the A110 ‘85’ (1976), A310 GT (1985), GTA Le Mans (1991) and the A610 (1993). This fabulous line can also be seen in the Time Tunnel, the star attraction of the Renault Village.
THE RENAULT SPORT SHOW After making its first appearance at Estoril in 2007, the Renault Sport Show quickly established itself as one of the main events on the WSR bill. Constantly evolving and full of surprises, the show puts the spotlight on the performance of the Renault Sport range.
partner for company as they drive bumper to bumper and simulate races and chases: New Clio R.S. 200 EDC.
Performing to the sound of the latest hits, the professional driving team headed by Julien Piguet will carry out a series of acrobatic stunts that you would be well advised not to try out yourself. This year the team’s Mégane R.S. will have a new 39
THE RENAULT VILLAGE
EVERY WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT SPECTATOR GETS THE VIP TREATMENT. THERE IS ACTION TO SAVOUR WHEREVER YOU GO AND A HOST OF ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY. There is no need for a pass to enter the paddock, get up close to the cars, chat to the mechanics or collect some driver autographs. It is access all areas as far as WSR fans are concerned, and that includes the pit lane, which is opened up to the public once a day, giving spectators the chance to meet the drivers as the teams prepare their cars in the countdown to the start. The Renault Village provides the setting for a number of events and activities allowing fans a closer look at the marque and its world. After making its debut appearance last year, the Time Tunnel is once again set to be the star attraction, giving visitors five carefully designed themed areas to explore: records, rally, Clio, track and Alpine. Some of the marque’s most prized creations, such as the Type K (1902), the Nerva Grand 40
Sport (1937), the Lotus F1 95T (1984), the Alpine A110 Groupe 4 (1975) and the Renault Maxi 5 Turbo ‘Diac’ (1985) will line up alongside Renault Sport Technologies’ latest designs, among them the Formula Renault 3.5, Mégane Trophy V6, Mégane R.S. N4 and New Clio Cup. There is plenty of fun in store for little ones on the bouncy castles, set up in a recreational area where collectible cards featuring characters inspired by WSR cars will be handed out. As for adults, they can try their hand at the famous Pitstop Challenge and the F1 and Mégane Trophy simulators. The Village will be a feature of every meeting and will be complemented by a programme of events run by Renault’s subsidiaries and their partners in their respective countries.
41
TV COVERAGE BROADCAST ON EUROSPORT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2009, WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT NOW ATTRACTED OVER 25 MILLION DIFFERENT VIEWERS LAST YEAR, A RESOUNDING SUCCESS THAT HAS PROMPTED THE CHANNEL AND RENAULT SPORT TO PROLONG THEIR PARTNERSHIP. All Formula Renault 3.5 Series races are broadcasted live on Eurosport and Eurosport 2, in addition to a 26-minute magazine showing each weekend’s highlights. The action-packed Eurocup Mégane Trophy continues to take pride of place on Eurosport 2, with a dedicated magazine. To keep the web-surfing followers happy, the Eurosport website and iPhone app feature a special World Series by Renault section, while live coverage of all Formula Renault 3.5 Series, Eurocup Mégane Trophy and Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 races is available on the Eurosport Player. All programmes are available for a week after the event on VOD.
42
2012 GLOBAL IMPACT KEY FIGURES
17 countries covered 864 hours of broadcasting 97 hours on Eurosport 79 hours of live broadcasting 76 millions of viewers 3,033 programs
2013 RACE CALENDAR
SPA
RED BULL RING HUNGARORING MONZA
PAUL RICARD MONACO MOTORLAND ARAGON
44
CATALUNYA
IMOLA
MOSCOW RACEWAY
06-07/04
MONZA
ITA
•
27-28/05
MOTORLAND ARAGÓN
ESP
•
11-12/05
IMOLA
ITA
25-26/05
MONACO - F1
MON
•
01-02/06
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
BEL
•
•
•
22-23/06
MOSCOW RACEWAY
RUS
•
•
•
20-21/07
RED BULL RING *
AUT
•
•
•
14-15/09
HUNGARORING *
HUN
•
•
•
28-29/09
PAUL RICARD *
FRA
•
•
•
•
19-20/10
CATALUNYA
ESP
•
•
•
•
02-03/11
MOTORLAND ARAGÓN
ESP
•
• •
•
•
•
* The World Series by Renault host three rounds of the European Le Mans Series.
45
MONZA
6-7 APRIL
TRACK LENGTH: 5.793KM TYPE: PERMANENT LESMO SERRAGLIO
ROGGIA VIALONE PARABOLICA
ASCARI PADDOCK
CURVA GRANDE RETTIFILO TRIBUNE
ADDRESS
LOCATION
Autodromo Nazionale Monza via Vedano 5 I-20052 Monza (MI) Tel.: +39 039 24821 Fax: + 39 039 320324 Email: infoautodromo@monzanet.it Web: www.monzanet.it
The circuit is situated in Monza Park, North-East of Milan. It can be reached from the A51 motorway (junction 15 to 23). Nearest airports: Milan-Linate (30km), Milan-Malpensa (65km).
2013 RESULTS FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES Pole 1: Vandoorne 1’45’’416. Pole 2: Da Costa 1’47”865
46
Race 1
1. Vandoorne - 2 Magnussen - 3 Zanella
Race 2
1. Da Costa - 2 Magnussen - 3 Vandoorne
MOTORLAND ARAGON
5-6 MAY & 2-3 NOV.
TRACK LENGTH: 5.345KM TYPE: PERMANENT
PADDOCK
ADDRESS Ctra Alcaniz a Zaragoza s/n Detras de la estanca Apdo de correos 174 44600 Alcaniz, Teruel Spain Tel.: +34 978 83 55 48 Fax: +34 978 83 55 48 Email: info@motorlandaragon.com Web: www.motorlandaragon.com
2012 RESULTS FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES Pole 1: Pic 1’40’’027. Pole 2: Pic 1’39’’194 Race 1
1. Yelloly – 2. Magnussen – 3. Frijns
Race 2
1. Frijns – 2. Bird – 3. Pic
EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0
LOCATION Situated near the town of Alcaniz, the Motorland circuit can be accessed from the N232, which links Alcaniz and Zaragoza. Take the TE-V-7033 road, which leads directly to the circuit. Nearest airports: Zaragoza (120km); Reus (130km); Barcelona (280km)
Pole 1: Kvyat 1’56’’325. Pole 2: Tunjo 1’56”295 Race 1
1. Kvyat – 2. De Vries – 3. Vandoorne
Race 2
1. Kvyat – 2. Tunjo – 3. Nato
EUROCUP MÉGANE TROPHY Pole 1: Costa 2’01’’068. Pole 2: Schothorst 2’01”689 Race 1
1. Schothorst – 2. Costa – 3. Nalio
Race 2
1. Schothorst – 2. Nalio – 3. Costa
47
IMOLA
11-12 MAY
TRACK LENGTH: 4.909KM TYPE: PERMANENT TOSA
PIRATELLA
VARIANTE ALTA ACQUO MINERALI
VARIANTE BASSA
TRAGUARDO
VARIANTE TAMBURELLO
PADDOCK RIVAZZO
ADDRESS
LOCATION
Autodromo Internationale Enzo e Dino Ferrari Via F.lli Rosselli, 2 I-40026 Imola Tel.: +39 0542 655111 Fax: + 39 0542 30420 Email: info@autodromoimola.it Web: www.autodromoimola.com
Imola’s A14 highway exit is 8 km away fro the racetrack. Nearest airports: Bologna (49km), Forli (46km), Rimini (89km).
48
MONACO
25-26 MAY
TRACK LENGTH: 3.340KM TYPE: INNER CITY
MIRABEAU
SAINTE-DEVOTE
CASINO PORTIER
BEAURIVAGE TABAC
MASSENET
LOEWS
CHICANE
A. NOGHES LA RASCASSE
ADDRESS
LOCATION
Automobile Club de Monaco 23 Boulevard Albert 1er BP 464 98012 Monaco Cedex Tel.: +377 93 15 26 00 Fax: +377 93 25 80 08 Email: info@acm.mc Web: www.acm.mc
Monaco can be reached by the A8 (exit at junction 56) or the N7. Nearest airport: Nice (30km).
2012 RESULTS FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES Pole: Bird 1’22’’163 Race
1. Bird – 2. Bianchi – 3. Rossi 49
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
1-2 JUNE
LES COMBES MALMEDY L’EAU ROUGE LE RAIDILLON
POUHON
PADDOCK
LA SOURCE
RIVAGE ARRET DE BUS
BLANCHIMONT LES FAGNES
TRACK LENGTH: 7.395KM TYPE: PERMANENT STAVELOT
ADDRESS Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Route du circuit, 55 B-4970 Francorchamps Tel.: +32 87 29 37 00 Fax: +32 87 27 05 80 Email: info@spa-francorchamps.be Web: www.spa-francorchamps.be
2012 RESULTS FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES Pole 1: Magnussen 1’57”423 - Pole 2: Magnussen 2’18”733 Race 1
1. Sørensen – 2. Bianchi – 3. Bird
Race 2
1. Magnussen – 2. Yelloly – 3. Frijns
EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 Pole 1: Gasly 2’18”196 - Pole 2: Pizzitola 2’42”291 Race 1
1. Nato – 2. Vandoorne – 3. Gasly
Race 2
1. Kvyat – 2. Dennis – 3. Vandoorne
EUROCUP MÉGANE TROPHY
LOCATION
Pole 1: Nalio 2’24”851 - Pole 2: Nalio 2’42”202
To reach the circuit take the E42 and come off at junction 10 or 12. The track can be also accessed via Blanchimont during daytime hours: simply follow the signs on the RN 640. Nearest airports: Liege (50km); Brussels (140km)
Race 1
1. Schothorst – 2. Gilardoni – 3. Snoeks
Race 2
1. Schothorst – 2. Nalio – 3. Costa
50
EUROCUP CLIO Pole 1: Verschuur 2’48”350 - Pole 2: Verschuur 2’48”550 Race 1
1. Guillot – 2. Villanueva – 3. Ricciarini
Race 2
1. Verschuur – 2. Villanueva – 3. Guillot
MOSCOW RACEWAY
22-23 JUNE TRACK LENGTH: 4.070KM TYPE: PERMANENT
PADDOCK
ADDRESS Moscow Raceway Office 12 bld. 5, Teterinskiy side street, Moscow, Russia, 109004 Tel.: +49 2691 302 0 Fax: +49 2691 302 155 Email: info@moscowraceway.com Web: www.moscowraceway.ru
LOCATION The Moscow Raceway is 77 kilometres east of Moscow, on the Novorizhsky (M9) motorway. Take the M9 from Moscow and follow the signs for Volokolamsk (Волокола́мск) before taking the Moscow Raceway exit, a few kilometres before the town of Yazvihche (Язвище). Nearest airports: Moscow Sheremetyevo (102 km), Moscow Domodedovo (145 km).
2012 RESULTS FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES Pole 1: Frijns 1’24”031 - Pole 2: Bianchi 1’23”388 Race 1
1. Frijns – 2. Bianchi – 3. Bird
Race 2
1. Pic – 2. Grubmüller – 3. Korjus
EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 Pole 1: Vandoorne 1’35”344 - Pole 2: Vandoorne 1’35”344 Race 1
1. Kvyat – 2. Vandoone – 3. Rowland
Race 2
1. Kvyat – 2. Vandoone – 3. Rowland
EUROCUP MÉGANE TROPHY Pole 1: Costa 1’41”765 - Pole 2: Costa 1’42”146 Race 1
1. Thuner – 2. Comini – 3. Nalio
Race 2
1. Costa – 2. Nalio – 3. Coronel 51
RED BULL RING
20-21 JULY TRACK LENGTH: 4.318KM TYPE: PERMANENT A1
JOCHEN RINDT
GÖSSER
PADDOCK
POWER HORSE
NIKI LAUDA
CASTROL
REMUS
ADDRESS
LOCATION
Projekt Spielberg GmbH & Co KG Red Bull Ring Straße 1 A-8724 Spielberg Tel.: +43 3577 202 27000 Fax: +43 3577 222 90 Email: office@projekt-spielberg.at Web: www.projekt-spielberg.at
From Vienna, take the A2 towards Graz, then the S6 towards Bruck/Mur/ Semmering/Neunkirchen West. At the St. Michael junction, take the S36 towards Klagenfurt/Knittelfeld/Judenburg. Take the Zeltweg Ost/Spielberg exit, then the first left and left again onto the L503. After approx. 2 km turn right, taking the exit for the Red Bull Ring. Nearest airports: Graz (85km); Vienna (200km); Salzburg (250km).
52
HUNGARORING
14-15 SEPTEMBER TRACK LENGTH: 4.381KM TYPE: PERMANENT
PADDOCK
ADDRESS Hungaroring Pf. 10. H-2146 Mogyoród Tel.: +36 28 444 444 Fax: +36 28 441 860 Email: office@hungaroring.hu Web: www.hungaroring.hu
2012 RESULTS FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES Pole 1: Frijns 1’28”520 - Pole 2: Frijns 1’28”232 Race 1
1. Frijns – 2. Magnussen – 3. Bianchi
Race 2
1. Da Costa – 2. Sørensen – 3. Stevens
EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 Pole 1: Vandoorne 1’42”411 - Pole 2: Kvyat 1’42”261
LOCATION The circuit is situated at Mogyorod, 20 kilometres north-east of Budapest. Take the M3/E71 motorway and come off at exit 301. Nearest airport: Budapest-Ferihegy (30km)
Race 1
1. Vandoorne – 2. Pakari – 3. King
Race 2
1. Kvyat – 2. De Vries – 3. Nato
EUROCUP MÉGANE TROPHY Pole 1: Costa 1’48”672 - Pole 2: Gilardoni 1’49”169 Race 1
1. Costa – 2. Comini – 3. Gilardoni
Race 2
1. Costa – 2. Thuner – 3. Gilardoni 53
CIRCUIT PAUL RICARD
28-29 SEPTEMBER TRACK LENGTH: 5.842KM TYPE: PERMANENT
VIRAGE DE LA SAINTE BAUME
VIRAGE DU CAMP MISTRAL STRAIGHT START
VIRAGE DE L’HÔTEL
CHICANE NORD S DE LA VERRERIE
PADDOCK
VIRAGE DU LAC
COURBE DE SIGNES VIRAGE DE BENDOR
VIRAGE DU PONT
COURBE DU GARLABAN
DOUBLE DROITE DU BEAUSSET
ADDRESS RDN8 2760 Route des Hauts du Camp F-83330 Le Castellet Tel: +33 494 983 666 Email: circuit@circuitpaulricard.com Web: www.circuitpaulricard.com
2012 STATISTICS FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES Pole 1: Yelloly 2’09”593 - Pole 2: Bianchi 1’48”103 Race 1
1. Da Costa – 2. Yelloly – 3. Move
Race 2
1. Bianchi – 2. Da Costa – 3. Bird
EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 Pole 1: Tarancon 2’08”438 - Pole 2: Vandoorne 2’09”237
LOCATION Located in the heart of Provence, in the department of Var, the Circuit Paul Ricard is eight kilometres from the medieval village of Le Castellet, a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean coast. To get there, take the A50 motorway and come off at exit 11 (signs for Le Beausset Aubagne - Circuit du Castellet). Nearest airports: Marseille (66km), Toulon (55km), Nice (176km) 54
Race 1
1. Vandoorne – 2. Kvyat – 3. Silva
Race 2
1. Kvyat – 2. Vandoorne – 3. Ocon
EUROCUP MÉGANE TROPHY Pole 1: Schothorst 2’31”027 - Pole 2: Costa 2’30”757 Race 1
1. Costa – 2. Thuner – 3. Nalio
Race 2
1. Costa – 2. Schothorst – 3. Nalio
EUROCUP CLIO Pole 1: Arcarese 2’31”205 - Pole 2: Baziret 2’32”305 Race 1
1. Nogues – 2. Arcarese – 3. Villanueva
Race 2
1. Baziret – 2. Verschuur – 3. Di Luca
19-20 OCTOBER
CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA
TRACK LENGTH: 4.655KM TYPE: PERMANENT
REPSOL
CAMPSA
BANC SABADELL EUROPCAR
RENAULT
SEAT PADDOCK
LA CAIXA ELF
ADDRESS Circuits de Catalunya S.L. Mas “La Moreneta” - P.O. Box 27 E-08160 Montmeló - Barcelona Tel.: +34 93 57 197 00 Fax: +34 93 57 227 72 Email: media@circuitcat.com Web: www.circuitcat.com LOCATION The Circuit de Catalunya can be reached by the C-33 (junction 2) or the AP-7 (junction 14 or 15). Nearest airports: Barcelona (50km); Girona (70km).
NEW HOLLAND
2012 STATISTICS FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES Pole 1: BIanchi 1’29”986 - Pole 2: Aleshin 1’53”112 Race 1
1. Da Costa – 2. BIrd – 3. Frijns
Race 2
1. Da Costa – 2. Aleshin – 3. Vainio
EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 Pole 1: Tunjo 1’46”083 - Pole 2: Kvyat 2’05”841 Race 1
1. Tunjo – 2. Vandoone – 3. Kvyat
Race 2
1. Rowland – 2. Vermont – 3. Fraga
EUROCUP MÉGANE TROPHY Pole 1: Gilardoni 1’52”151 - Pole 2: Costa 1’51”790 Race 1
1. Schothorst – 2. Beelen – 3. Bossy
Race 2
1. Costa – 2. Gilardoni – 3. Nalio
EUROCUP CLIO Pole 1: Palomeras 2’07”048 - Pole 2: Nogues 2’07”380 Race 1
1. Nogues – 2. Palomeras – 3. Guillot
Race 2
1. Ricciarini – 2. Villanueva – 3. Fjordbach 55
FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES
THE FLAGSHIP OF THE WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT, THE FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS THE BENCHMARK WHEN IT COMES TO DISCOVERING AND DEVELOPING THE FORMULA ONE STARS OF TOMORROW. THE COMPETITION’S FORMAT AND THE TECHNOLOGIES USED IN THE FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 HAVE BOTH CONTRIBUTED TO ITS ELEVATED STATUS. Any driver looking to reach the pinnacle of motorsport has some tricky decisions to make, such as which driver development programme, which championship and which team to choose. In answer to those questions, Renault Sport Technologies has set about creating a pyramid that is clear in its intentions, as well as being coherent and practical. The last rung on the climb up to Formula One, the Formula Renault 3.5 Series has proved its worth by unearthing some of F1’s men of the moment, Sebastian Vettel chief among them. A high-class discipline, the Formula Renault 3.5 Series takes place largely on F1-approved circuits, calling in at Monza, Monaco, SpaFrancorchamps, the Hungaroring and the Circuit de Catalunya. The calendar is 58
designed to avoid clashes with the Formula One season, thus allowing F1 reserve drivers to compete in the championship. With a view to rewarding pure performance, each weekend follows a format that is both simple and fair. Race days begin with a qualifying session followed by a race lasting 44 minutes and one lap, with the second race of the weekend also featuring a pit stop during which at least two tyres must be changed. This brings an element of team strategy into the equation and helps drivers get acquainted with a crucial aspect of Formula One. Also designed with driver development in mind, the Formula Renault 3.5 comes equipped with technology used at the very
highest level, such as semi-automatic gearboxes, carbon brakes and DRS. The combination of a 530bhp V8 engines, considerable downforce and Michelin tyres results in an extremely efficient car, capable of cornering at high speed. As well as developing motorsport’s brightest young hopes, the Formula Renault 3.5 Series gives the very best a route into F1. At the halfway stage of the season the championship leader is invited to take to the wheel of the Infiniti Red Bull Racing RB8 for a demonstration drive at a World Series by Renault meeting. Then, at the end of the year, the champion is rewarded with a day’s testing with the three-time world champion’s team, an opportunity that has already proved decisive in making that final step to the top possible.
59
FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 DETAILED REVIEW
CHASSIS To keep costs under control, a third of the components from the previous model have been retained. The carbon chassis, designed and built by Dallara, is an evolution of the previous frame. On a visual level, the cockpit, front and rear wings are all radically different. AERODYNAMICS The rear spoiler features a drag reduction system (DRS) that can be activated by the driver. This system disrupts the airflow in order to increase straight-line speeds. Designed using computational fluid dynamics and later tested in a wind tunnel, DRS is a low-cost way to improve aerodynamic efficiency and increase performance. Using the very latest design tools, engineers have designed the car’s wings for optimal efficiency, increasing the maximum aerodynamic load by 34% compared with the previous model. 60
SUSPENSION The suspension adopts a classic system for a single-seat racing car: double wishbones, pushrods and adjustable spring-damper units (one front, two rear). The two-way adjustable dampers are identical at the front and the rear. They are ultra-light and allow a weight saving of 4kg for the car as a whole. Similarly, the machined aluminium hub carriers increase rigidity by 65% and reduce the unsprung weight by 3kg per wheel.
BRAKES The brake discs, gripped by Brembo sixpiston monobloc callipers, are identical at the front and rear of the car. The discs use a new form of carbon and are designed for enhanced cooling. This, combined with the car’s aerodynamic features, makes the brakes more hardwearing and more efficient, with shorter stopping distances.
61
FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 DETAILED REVIEW ENGINE Performance is achieved via a 530bhp V8 engine, developed by Zytek Engineering and connected to a semi-automatic gearbox with pneumatic activation. It offers a wider operating range, with the rev limit set at 9500 rpm (running on 102 octane fuel). GEARBOX The Formula Renault 3.5 employs a Ricardo six-speed sequential gearbox, which is now teamed with a pneumatic rather than hydraulic control. This setup, developed with Shiftec, improves usability and saves weight. The selflocking limited slip differential offers four engine-transmission combinations, and
62
the magnesium casing supports the rear suspension anchor points. ONBOARD ELECTRONICS The electronic system features two electronic units, both of which improve performance, usability and technical equality. Engine and gearbox management is provided by the Pectel MQ12 ECU unit. The PI Omega L2+ data logger collects all the information provided by the sensors. PI Toolbox and Toolset software allows technical teams and drivers to analyse the data and improve settings and driver performance. Meanwhile, the next-generation steering wheel has been designed to prepare drivers in the best possible way for what they will encounter in F1.
CHASSIS Type Bodywork
Dallara T12 carbon monocoque Carbon
ENGINE Type
Zytek Motorsport V8 ZRS03 – 3396cc
Max. power
530bhp at 8,500rpm
Max. torque
445Nm at 7,250rpm
Max engine speed Electronics Electric power
9,500rpm Cosworth Electronics Pectel MQ12 XAP Electronique Supercaps
TRANSMISSION Type Gearbox Gearshift Differential Clutch
Rear-wheel drive Ricardo six-speed sequential with Shiftec pneumatic control Semi-automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddles Self-locking limited slip 140mm carbon triple disc
AXLES AND SUSPENSION Front suspension
Pushrods, Sachs single two-way adjustable spring-damper
Rear suspension
Pushrods, Sachs twin two-way adjustable spring-dampers
Brakes Callipers
270x28mm ventilated carbon by Carbone Industries Brembo six-piston
WHEELS Rims
OZ Racing magnesium monobloc 12’’ x 13’’ (front) and 13.7’’ x 13 (rear)
Tyres
Michelin 26 x 64 x 13 (front) and 32 x 66 x 12 (rear)
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES Length/width/height Wheel base Front and rear track Fuel tank Unloaded weight
5070/1930/1048mm 3125mm 1630/1529mm 110litres 616kg 63
FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES REGULATIONS
The championship is open to 13 teams, each with two cars and selected by the Organising Committee. Drivers must hold a Grade A or B FIA licence. During the season each team is allowed to use four drivers. The authorisation of the Organising Committee is required for a driver to change teams. PRIVATE TESTING Private testing with Formula Renault 3.5 cars is prohibited outside the collective testing sessions organised by Renault Sport Technologies. Teams still have four hours ECU time per car to organise private tests on tracks that are not on the 2013 race schedule. Any driver and/or team participating in Formula Renault 3.5 Series may not take part in testing at any of the Championship circuits, regardless of the type of car used (except for drivers registered to take part in all of the races in another championship, with the prior consent of the Organising Committee, and except for testing organised with a current F1 team). 64
COLLECTIVE TESTING With a view to giving young drivers a chance to accumulate on-track experience prior to qualifying and the races, two 75-minute sessions of collective testing will be held on Fridays, except for the Monaco meeting, where a single test session is scheduled. QUALIFYING One 30-minute qualifying session will be held on each race day, with the fastest lap times achieved by each driver in this session determining the order in which they start on the grid. RACE FORMAT Each meeting, with the exception of Monaco (where only one race will be held), will consist of two qualifying sessions and two races. Start grid: staggered 1:1 format. The two races will run for a duration of 44 minutes + one lap. Race two will include a mandatory pit stop within a “window� defined in the table below.
TRACK
PITSTOP BETWEEN LAPS
Monza
-
Motorland Aragón Monaco
5 / 15 -
drivers and one for teams. There is also a rookie championship. Points scored by both drivers count towards the team standings. Points are awarded at the end of each race according to the following table:
Spa-Francorchamps
5 / 13
Moscow Raceway
5 / 17
Red Bull Ring
5 / 17
POSITION
POINTS
Hungaroring
5 / 16
1st
25 pts
Citcuit Paul Ricard
5 / 16
2nd
18 pts
Circuit de Catalunya
5 / 17
3rd
15 pts
4th
12 pts
5th
10 pts
6th
8 pts
7th
6 pts
8th
4 pts
9th
2 pts
10th
1 pt
During this pit stop, seven mechanics must change two wheels. Pit stops are prohibited when the safety car is on the track, with the window being extended by the number of laps for which the safety car is out. Any driver who makes a pit stop outside this window will receive a 20-second penalty. Any driver who makes a pit stop before the end of the first lap or who fails to stop at all will receive a one-minute penalty. DRS During each race the driver will have a time allocation during which the DRS can be activated. Said time period will be announced no less than two hours before the start of the race. TYRES - Collective testing on Fridays (two x 75 mins): one new set. - Saturdays and Sundays: three new sets may be used in qualifying (except for Monaco, where two sets will be allocated for the entire weekend). POINTS AND TITLES The Formula Renault 3.5 Series includes two separate championships: one for
All results count towards the championship standings. In the event of any competitors finishing on equal points, the driver with the most wins will be ranked higher. If the drivers in question have the same number of wins, the number of second places will be taken into consideration, and so on should this be necessary. Should the competitors remain equal after all such considerations, the driver with the best result in the final race will be ranked higher. AWARDS The championship leader at the end of the season’s fourth meeting will be rewarded with a drive in the Formula One Roadshow at the next World Series by Renault event. The overall 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 Series champion will also earn a test drive with the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One Team. 65
2012 SEASON REVIEW
The championship began at Motorland Aragón, where Robin Frijns (Fortec Motorsports) made a fast start. The 2011 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champion left Spain on top of the standings after winning Sunday’s race, while Jules Bianchi (Tech 1 Racing) went away pointless after being disqualified from race one for a technical infringement. At Monaco, Sam Bird (ISR) made his experience count by taking victory from Bianchi. The British driver also moving into the championship lead at the expense of Frijns, who was forced to retire with technical problems. The Danish duo of Marco Sorensen (Lotus) and Kevin Magnussen (Carlin) scored a win apiece in the next round at Spa, where there was little to choose between Bird, Frijns and Bianchi, though Bird was to lose ground to his two championship rivals at the Nürburgring and the Moscow Raceway. Bianchi then struck an important blow at Silverstone, taking the honours in race one and finishing third 66
in race two, which was won by a rejuvenated Bird, with only six points separating the top three by the end of the meeting. Making light of his rookie status, Frijns showed his mettle by topping the podium once more at the Hungaroring to put some distance between himself and his closest challengers. Within a fortnight, however, Bianchi was back in front by five points, thanks in the main to his victory in race two at the Paul Ricard. Already a winner at the Hungaroring and the Circuit Paul Ricard, Antonio Felix da Costa (Arden Caterham) ended the campaign on a high with a notable double at the Circuit de Catalunya, where title rivals Frijns and Bianchi came together in race two, this after Frijns had regained his standings lead by taking third place on the Saturday. Though held responsible for the shunt, Frijns held on to his points lead to take the championship, while Bird took a deserved third overall after finishing seventh in the season’s final race.
2012 STATISTICS Pos.
Driver
Team
Points
Wins
Pole Podiums positions
Fastest laps
1st
Robin Frijns
Fortec
189
3
8
4
1
2nd
Jules Bianchi
Tech 1 Racing
185
3
8
5
7
3
Sam Bird
ISR
179
2
7
1
0
4th
Antonio Félix da Costa
Arden Caterham
166
4
6
0
2
5th
Nick Yelloly
Comtec Racing
122
2
4
1
0
6th
Marco Sørensen
Lotus
122
1
3
0
0
7th
Kevin Magnussen
Carlin
106
1
3
3
0
8th
Arthur Pic
Dams
102
1
2
2
2
9
Nico Müller
Draco Racing
78
0
1
0
0
10th
Kevin Korjus
Lotus
69
0
1
0
0
rd
th
PAST WINNERS FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES
EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT V6
2012
Robin Frijns
2004
Giorgio Mondini
2011
Robert Wickens
2003
Jose-Maria Lopez
2010
Mikhail Aleshin
2009
Bertrand Baguette
2008
Giedo Van der Garde
2007
Alvaro Parente
2006
Alx Danielsson
2005
Robert Kubica
WORLD SERIES BY NISSAN 2004
Heikki Kovalainen
2003
Franck Montagny
67
2013 DRIVERS AND TEAMS
68
1
MIKHAIL ALESHIN (RUS)
2
NIGEL MELKER (NED)
3
ANTONIO FELIX DA COSTA (POR)
4
PIETRO FANTIN (BRA)
5
STOFFEL VANDOORNE (BEL)
6
OLIVER WEBB (GBR)
7
SERGEY SIROTKIN (RUS)
8
CHRISTOPHER ZANELLA (SUI)
TECH 1 RACING
TECH 1 RACING
ARDEN CATERHAM
ARDEN CATERHAM
FORTEC
FORTEC
ISR
ISR
9
MARCO SØRENSEN (DEN) LOTUS
10
MARLON STOCKINGEN (PHI)
11
CARLOS HUERTAS (COL)
12
JAZEMAN JAAFAR (MAS)
15
DANIIL MOVE (RUS)
16
LUCAS FORESTI (BRA)
17
ANDRÉ NEGRÃO (BRA)
18
NICO MÜLLER (SUI)
LOTUS
CARLIN
CARLIN
SMP RACING BY COMTEC
SMP RACING BY COMTEC
INTERNATIONAL DRACO RACING
INTERNATIONAL DRACO RACING 69
2013 DRIVERS AND TEAMS
70
19
NORMAN NATO (FRA)
20
KEVIN MAGNUSSEN (DEN)
21
WILL STEVENS (GBR)
22
MATIAS LAINE (FIN)
23
MIHAI MARINESCU (ROM)
24
MATHEO TUSCHER (SUI)
25
ZOEL AMBERG (SUI)
26
NIKOLAY MARTSENKO (RUS)
DAMS
DAMS
P1 BY STRAKKA RACING
P1 BY STRAKKA RACING
ZETA CORSE
ZETA CORSE
PONS RACING
PONS RACING
27
ARTHUR PIC (FRA)
28
YANN CUNHA (BRA)
AV FORMULA
AV FORMULA
71
EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0
SOMETIMES AS YOUNG AS 16, THE DRIVERS IN THE EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 FIELD ARE CONFRONTED WITH AN EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY WILL LEARN THE BASICS OF THEIR TRADE: HOW TO HANDLE THE PRESSURE OF COMPETITION WHILE GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THEIR SINGLESEATER. The old adage that you need a season to learn and another to win seems to be a thing of the past. The average age of drivers breaking into Formula One has fallen considerably in the last few years, with the result that the apprenticeships they serve on the way up have also become shorter. Created more than 40 years ago, Formula Renault has since developed in response to the needs of drivers hailing from karting and entry-level series such as Formula Renault 1.6. Redesigned for the 2013 season, Formula Renault 2.0 does not attempt to conceal its ties with its big sister, Formula Renault 3.5. The revamped car puts the emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency and features a chassis that is even more responsive to 74
tuning. Also boasting a 210bhp engine and a sequential gearbox with steering wheel-mounted controls, it offers very high performance. Something of a single-seater academy, Formula Renault 2.0 gives drivers every opportunity to demonstrate their talents.
The Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 takes place over seven race weekends, all of which are part of the World Series by Renault programme. With 36 cars taking their places on the grid, traffic on the track can often be dense, which is why the field is split into two groups during qualifying. The duration of each of the season’s 14 races is 25 minutes plus one lap, giving drivers no time to pause for breath. From the moment the lights go out to the appearance of the chequered flag, it is all about attacking. The Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champion receives a €500,000 prize to allow them to make the move up to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. That was the path taken by 2011 winner Robin Frijns, who made the most of the windfall by going on to win the World Series by Renault’s flagship event in his first season. This year it is Stoffel Vandoorne’s turn to invest the cash prize.
75
FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 DETAILED REVIEW
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION SYSTEM To increase cornering speed race cars should hold the road perfectly. The Formula Renault 2.0 car is equipped with two-way adjustable shock absorbers (one at the front and two at the rear) to optimise the car’s handling, while the new aerodynamic kit, designed by Tatuus, increases the tub’s torsional strength by 20 percent, an upgrade that enhances the role of the suspension system and makes the car more sensitive to set-up modifications. A number of separate adjustments can be made to the car: the rideheight wheel TOE, camber, spring stiffness, anti-roll, height of the roll centre and anti-lift. The set-up of the front and rear wings may also be changed. Thanks to its perfect mass distribution, track performance closely resembles that of Formula Renault 3.5, and they both offer similar handling. The transition from Formula Renault 2.0 to Formula Renault 3.5 is a 76
natural one, reflecting a desire to create a driver development programme that helps the very best making it to Formula 1. AERODYNAMICS The new-look Formula Renault 2.0 takes after the Formula Renault 3.5. Working closely with Italian manufacturer Tatuus, Renault Sport Technologies has employed the latest design tools in putting it together, chief among them CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), while also subjecting the car to
wind-tunnel testing with the aim of creating a modern and visually appealing single-seater. The front and rear wings have been retained, part of the ongoing commitment to managing costs, while all other carbon fibre features have received upgrades. The nose, side-pods, engine hood and diffuser are all new, ramping up the efficiency of Formula Renault 2.0, which weighs 20 kilos less than the previous version.
BRAKES Braking is a strong suit of all Renault Sport vehicles. The engineers of the design office have contributed to keeping costs down by fitting the same Caparo AP Braking components at the front and rear, with four-piston callipers. The use of improved discs in the upgraded Formula Renault 2.0 increases brake lifespan.The braking efficiency allows drivers to brake harder and later, while aerodynamic improvements result in greater stability. ENGINE
With the exception of the anti-intrusion panels, Formula Renault 2.0 has been designed in line with the FIA’s F3 2012 safety standards with, in particular, new tub shapes and new nose, also used as front crashbox. As with all modern single-seaters, downforce is generated by adjustable wings and the flat bottom/diffuser assembly, which draws the car to the ground by accelerating the flow of air under the floor. Aerodynamics have been enhanced as a result of an increased load of 17%, greater than the increase in drag, thus upping the Formula Renault 2.0’s cornering efficiency. With a chassis that is more responsive to the car’s settings and behaves more like Formula Renault 3.5, drivers will have to work closely with their engineers to get the best set-up at each track.
Formula Renault 2.0 takes its naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine from the Clio III Renault Sport Mk 2. Delivering 20bhp more than its previous incarnation, the engine is similar to the production version but has been race-prepared with the inclusion of a dry sump, an oil pump and reinforced connecting rod screws. The original intake manifold and motorised throttle valve have also been retained in the single-seater version. ONBOARD ELECTRONICS In a bid to increase performance, make the car easier to run and ensure a level playing field, Renault Sport Technologies has made the ECU a core concept in the design of Formula Renault 2.0. The car features not one but two electronic units. The first one, which can be accessed by Renault Sport Technologies engineers only, controls the engine and gearbox, thus making technical checks easier. 77
FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 DETAILED REVIEW The function of the second unit is to acquire data. Connected to ToolBox software developed by Cosworth, it allows the teams to exploit the data cars generate. Modern and easy to use, it is a system that makes the jobs of drivers and engineers easier. Formula Renault 2.0 is delivered with builtin chassis sensors that generate a much broader range of parameters than ever before. The steering wheel, which comes with a colour instrument panel, displays a range of data to the driver and their team. The Formula Renault 2.0’s paddle-operated seven-speed sequential Sadev gearbox gives drivers the opportunity to get acquainted with a system similar to the one used in Formula One.
78
TYRES To make the most of everything the car has to offer, Michelin has developed a range of tyres specific to it. Large in size, they give Formula Renault 2.0 even more balance. Each capable of running for up to 200 kilometres, they are much more durable too, reducing the number of sets required over a season.
CHASSIS Type Bodywork Aerodynamic features
FR2.0/13 Carbon-fibre Front and rear wings, diffuser
ENGINE Type Bore & stroke
Renault F4R 832 – 4-cylinder – 16 valve – 1998cc 82.7 x 93mm
Max. power
210bhp at 7,150rpm
Max. torque
220Nm at 5,500rpm
Max. engine speed
7,500rpm
TRANSMISSION Gearbox Gearshift Differential Clutch
SADEV seven-speed sequential + reverse gear XAP electric control, semi-automatic steering-wheel mounted Self-locking limited slip (friction disc and ramp) ZF Race Engineering cerametallic twin dis
AXLES AND SUSPENSION Front suspension
ZF Race Engineering single damper, two-way adjustable
Rear suspension
ZF Race Engineering double damper, two-way adjustable
Brakes
Four-piston calipers with 278 x 18 mm steel discs
WHEELS Rims
Aluminium one-piece 9 x 13 (front) and 10 x 13 (rear)
Tyres
Michelin 20-54 x 13 (front) and 24-57 x 13 (rear)
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES Length / width / heigh Front / rear track Fuel tank Unloaded weight
4270 / 1740 / 950mm 1502 / 1440mm 50litres 505kg 79
EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 REGULATIONS
AUTHORISED TEAMS AND DRIVERS Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 is open to 36 drivers per season in addition to two to nine wild cards, depending on the capacity at each track. Competitors must hold a Grade A, B or C FIA licence. The following drivers are not eligible to take part: Drivers classified 2012 among the top 3 finishers of the FIA Formula 2 Championship at any of the last three seasons ; Drivers classified in a more than 2.000 cc single-seater apart from the FIA Formula 2 Championship at any of the last three seasons ; Drivers among the top three finishers in the following Formula 3 Championships at any of the last three seasons (F3 Euro Series, British F3 International Series, Formel 3 Cup, Campionato Italiano F3 and European F3 Open) ; Winner drivers of any other National or International F3 Championships at any of the last three seasons ; Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champions at any of the last three seasons. Depending on the availability of places, drivers may take part in Eurocup events on an ad-hoc basis. Such drivers may not participate in more than three meetings 80
over the season. Teams cannot enter more than four cars. PRIVATE TESTING Private testing with Formula Renault 2.0 cars is prohibited outside the collective test sessions organised by Renault Sport Technologies. Private testing with any kind of singleseater is prohibited on the circuits featured in the Eurocup race calendar on any date up to the event taking place. Drivers who enter the Eurocup on a oneoff basis are not entitled to take part in collective testing. They are, however, obliged to comply with the regulations of their national championships. Drivers participating in both Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and national championship races or any international Formula Renault 2.0 series races at the same meeting may not take part in the collective testing and/ or free practice sessions scheduled for Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. QUALIFYING & START GRID One 30-minute qualifying session will be held on each race day, with the fastest
lap times achieved by each driver in this session determining the order in which they start on the grid. In the event that more than 30 drivers enter a meeting, stewards may decide to split the qualifying session into two groups, determined by the positions of the drivers in the overall standings. Should qualifying be split into two groups, the starting grid for each race will be determined according to the order of the fastest timed laps recorded by the drivers in each group. The driver with the fastest time overall will occupy pole position and will be followed on the grid the rest of the drivers, in the order in which they qualified. Start grid: staggered 1:1 format. RACE FORMAT Each meeting comprises two races of 25 minutes + one lap. TYRE ALLOCATIONS - Collective testing on Fridays (two x 40 mins): two sets of registered tyres and one set of new tyres. - Saturday and Sunday: two sets, both of which can be used in qualifying. POINTS, PRIZE MONEY AND TITLES Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 includes two separate championships: one for drivers and one for teams. There is also a junior championship open to under-18s. Prior to the start of the meeting, teams entering more than two cars must designate the two drivers whose points shall count towards the team championship. Points and prize money are awarded at the end of each race according to the following table:
POSITION
POINTS
1st
25 pts
2nd
18 pts
3rd
15 pts
4th
12 pts
5th
10 pts
6th
8 pts
7th
6 pts
8th
4 pts
9th
2 pts
10th
1 pt
To score points, drivers must take part in their first event before the fourth meeting. After this, they may not score points. Otherwise, all results count towards the championship standings. In the event of any competitors finishing on equal points, the driver with the most wins will be ranked higher. If the drivers in question have the same number of wins, the number of second places will be taken into consideration, and so on should this be necessary. Should the competitors remain equal after all such considerations, the driver with the best result in the final race will be ranked higher. The winner of the Eurocup will receive a grant of â‚Ź500,000 towards their participation in the 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 Series. ENGINE Engines are sealed and work on them is prohibited. The repair, servicing and tuning of the engine may only be performed by Renault Sport Technologies. Should a driver win three successive races with the same engine, it must be replaced for the next two meetings. 81
2012 SEASON REVIEW
Daniil Kvyat (Koiranen Motorsport) made his intentions clear by winning both races in the opening meeting at Motorland Aragón, establishing an important psychological advantage over his rivals. Stoffel Vandoorne (Josef Kaufmann Racing) kept the gap down by starting the season with a string of podium finishes, though he did let some vital points slip on home soil at Spa-Francorchamps. The Belgian came back in superb style with a double triumph at the Nürburgring, taking over at the top of the Eurocup standings from Kvyat, who was caught out by changeable track conditions in Germany. Nevertheless, the Russian was soon back in charge, winning both races as the Moscow Raceway hosted his country’s first international track meeting and taking a one-point lead from Vandoorne, who finished runnerup in race one and two. In what proved to be the turning point of the season, the championship lead changed hands yet again in race one at the Hunga82
roring, with the Belgian collecting maximum points while his Russian adversary was forced to retire. The two then secured the same number of points at the Circuit Paul Ricard, and by the time the final race of the season came around at the Circuit de Catalunya, Kvyat found himself 14 points adrift of Vandoorne. Just as he had done at the Nürburgring, the Russian went out for that final race on wet tyres, while his opponent opted for slicks. An early shunt for Vandoorne forced him out of the race, leaving him to look on anxiously from the pit wall as the season reached a nail-biting conclusion. Fortunately for championship frontrunner, Kvyat could do no better than eighth, and the title was bound for Belgium. Their enthralling title battle somewhat eclipsed the efforts of the rest of the field, though Oliver Rowland (Fortec Motorsports) showed what he could do by winning that final joust of the season to take third place overall.
2012 STATISTICS Pos.
Driver
Team
Points
Wins
Pole Podiums positions
Fastest laps
1st
Stoffel Vandoorne
Josef Kaufmann
244
4
11
6
3
2nd
Daniil Kvyat
Koiranen
234
7
9
3
4
3rd
Oliver Rowland
Fortec
109
1
3
0
0
4th
Norman Nato
RC Formula
96
1
4
0
1
5th
Nyck de Vries
R-Ace GP
78
0
2
0
1
6th
Paul-Loup Chatin
Tech 1 Racing
77
0
1
0
1
7th
Oscar Tunjo
Tech 1 Racing
73
1
2
2
1
8th
Melville McKee
Interwetten.com
64
0
1
0
1
9th
Alex Riberas
Josef Kaufmann
62
0
0
0
1
10th
Pierre Gasly
R-Ace GP
49
0
2
1
0
PAST WINNERS EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 2012
Stoffel Vandoorne
2004
Scott Speed
2011
Robin Frijns
2002
Eric Salignon
2010
Kevin Korjus
2001
Augusto Farfus
2009
Albert Costa
2000
Felipe Massa
2008
Valtteri Bottas
1999
Gianmaria Bruni
2007
Brendon Hartley
1998
Bruno Besson
2006
Filipe Albuquerque
1997
Jeffrey van Hooydonk
2005
Kamui Kobayashi
1996
Enrique Bernoldi
83
2013 DRIVERS AND TEAMS
84
1
STEIJN SCHOTHORST (NED)
2
GUSTAV MALJA (SWE)
3
OSCAR TUNJO (COL)
4
NICK DE VRIES (NED)
5
GUILHERME SILVA (BRA)
6
VICTOR FRANZONI (BRA)
7
JAKE DENNIS (GBR)
8
MIKKO PAKARI (FIN)
9
ED JONES (UAE)
JOSEF KAUFMANN RACING
JOSEF KAUFMANN RACING
JOSEF KAUFMANN RACING
KOIRANEN MOTORSPORT
KOIRANEN MOTORSPORT
KOIRANEN MOTORSPORT
FORTEC MOTORSPORT
FORTEC MOTORSPORT
FORTEC MOTORSPORT
10
PIERRE GASLY (FRA)
11
EGOR ORUDZHEV (RUS)
12
MATTHIEU VAXIVIÈRE (FRA)
14
ALEX BARON (FRA)
15
ESTEBAN OCON (FRA)
16
ANDREA PIZZITOLA (FRA)
17
AURELIEN PANIS (FRA)
18
BENJAMIN BAILLY (BEL)
19
ROMAN MAVLANOV (RUS)
TECH 1 RACING
TECH 1 RACING
TECH 1 RACING
ART JUNIOR TEAM
ART JUNIOR TEAM
ART JUNIOR TEAM
RC FORMULA
RC FORMULA
RC FORMULA
85
2013 DRIVERS AND TEAMS
86
20
K. TERESHCHENKO (RUS)
21
ALEJANDRO ABOGADO (MEX)
22
STEFAN WACKERBAUER (GER)
23
FELIPE FRAGA (BRA)
24
OLIVER ROWLAND (GBR)
25
JAVIER MERLO (ARG)
26
WILLIAM VERMONT (FRA)
27
SIMON TIRMAN (FRA)
28
LEO ROUSSEL (FRA)
INTERWETTEN.COM RACING
INTERWETTEN.COM RACING
INTERWETTEN.COM RACING
MANOR MP MOTORSPORT
MANOR MP MOTORSPORT
MANOR MP MOTORSPORT
ARTA ENGINEERING
ARTA ENGINEERING
ARTA ENGINEERING
29
YU KANAMARU (JPN)
30
ALEXANDER ALBON (GBR)
31
IGNAZIO D’AGOSTO (ITA)
32
LUCA GHIOTTO (ITA)
33
BRUNO BONIFACIO (BRA)
34
TBA
35
KEVIN JOERG (FRA)
36
MARCOS SIEBERG (ARG)
37
LEVIN AMWEG (SUI)
KTR
KTR
KTR
PREMA POWERTEAM
PREMA POWERTEAM
PREMA POWERTEAM
JENZER MOTORSPORT
JENZER MOTORSPORT
JENZER MOTORSPORT 87
EUROCUP MÉGANE TROPHY
ALONG WITH THE FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 SERIES AND EUROCUP FORMULA RENAULT 2.0, THE EUROCUP MÉGANE TROPHY FORMS THE BEDROCK OF THE WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT. A HIGH-PERFORMANCE SALOON CAR, MÉGANE TROPHY V6 IS A REAL CROWD-PLEASER WITH ITS STREAMLINED DESIGN AND PURRING ENGINE. ALL IN ALL, IT IS A CAR THAT MAKES FOR SOME THRILLING RACING. The Eurocup Mégane Trophy follows a trail that was first blazed in 1981 with the launch of the Coupe d’Europe R5 Turbo, the first high-performance saloon series to be organised by Renault. The line was then continued by Alpine V6 Turbo, R21 Turbo Europa Cup, Spider, Clio V6 and, with the creation of the World Series by Renault, the Eurocup Mégane Trophy has taken the concept to a new level, thanks to a car with a truly distinctive design. The current version has been in use since the start of the 2009 season. Inspired by the most beguiling GT cars, its design reflects a concern for aerodynamic efficiency while also highlighting the distinctive features of 90
the production model. Gull-wing doors only add to the allure of this exceptional car. Beneath the bodywork lies a tubular chassis guaranteeing security, performance and reliability. Mounted in the centre rear of the
car, the 360bhp engine and semi-automatic gearbox give MÊgane Trophy V6 the kind of handling you would expect from a single-seater or a prototype. Little wonder it is so popular with the drivers. The championship’s seven meetings comprise two qualification sessions and two races lasting 40 minutes and one lap. The compulsory fuel stop allows teams to devise strategies that can change the course of a race. To claim a place on the podium competitors also need to strike a balance between aggression and race management. With its sleek design and high performance, MÊgane Trophy V6 has proved hard for some single-seater drivers to resist, among them 2012 champion Albert Costa. There is also a place in the pack for gentlemen drivers, who are never slow to turn the heat up in their bid to win their very own championship.
91
MÉGANE TROPHY V6 DETAILED REVIEW
CHASSIS Mégane Trophy V6 features a speciallydesigned multi-tubular chassis. Its base consists of rectangular shaped tubes onto which the central cell and the front and rear frames are grafted. This assembly complies with FIA Sports-Prototypes regulations, which are particularly stringent in terms of safety but more lenient in other aspects. The relative freedom allowed for the installation of powertrain units and the cockpit results in almost perfect weight distribution, with 47.8 per cent of the weight at the front. AERODYNAMICS The car’s aerodynamic design is achieved using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). This technology, 92
used in Formula One, involves using computers to study air movement. Mégane Trophy V6 also enjoys optimum levels of ground-effect thanks to a specially-designed bumper, an undertray, diffuser and rear spoiler. These elements combine to increase downforce by 20 per cent, while drag has been reduced by 15 per cent compared to the previous model. The result is increased straight-line and cornering speed. SUSPENSION Mégane Trophy V6 employs the doublewishbone principle at both the front and the rear. Both the compression- and rebound-adjustable, shock absorbers are sealed. Nevertheless, several options are available for the suspension settings.
ENGINE The 3.5-litre V6 engine differs little from the production version. It does, however, come with a semi-dry sump, connecting rod bolts and specially-designed camshafts and exhaust systems. Dubbed the V4Y, the engine benefits from a high level of tuning on MĂŠgane Trophy V6. A new inlet manifold supplied by a dynamic air intake located on the roof and allnew engine mapping have increased power from 360 to 400bhp and widened the power band. Particularly sturdy and reliable, this engine is delivered sealed to teams, and is returned to Solutions F workshops at the end of each season (5,500km) for servicing.
GEARBOX Mounted longitudinally behind the engine, the semi-automatic sequential gearbox has six speeds controlled from the steering wheel. The lack of a clutch pedal gives the driver the option of leftfoot braking, while the twin-disk ceramic clutch ensures excellent speed through the gears and unquestionable reliability. ONBOARD ELECTRONICS The ECU controls the engine and gearbox management and data acquisition systems. It is sealed in order to facilitate scrutineering and technical equity between competing teams.
93
MÉGANE TROPHY V6 DETAILED REVIEW CHASSIS Type Steel space frame, self-supporting engine and gearbox Bodywork Polyester Aerodynamic features Front splitter, diffuser and rear spoiler ENGINE Layout Longitudinal, rear mid-mounted Type Renault V4Y - V6 - 24-valve - 3498cc Bore & stroke 95.5 x 81.4mm Max. power 400bhp at 7,200rpm Max. torque 422Nm at 5,750rpm Max. engine speed 7,500 rpm TRANSMISSION Type Rear-wheel drive Gearbox Sequential, 6-speed + reverse gear Gearshift Semi-automatic with steering-wheel mounted paddles Differential Limited slip, auto-locking differential Clutch Ø 184 mm cerametallic twin-disk AXLES AND SUSPENSION Independent double wishbone suspension, Sachs compression Suspension and rebound two ways adjustable spring-shock absorbers, front anti-roll bar 6-piston callipers with 356x32mm steel discs Front brakes Rear brakes
4-piston callipers with 330x32mm steel discs
WHEELS Rims One-piece aluminium 8 x 18 (front) and 9 x 18 (rear) Tyres Michelin tyres 21-65 x 18 (front) and 24-65 x 18 (rear) DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES Length 4,375mm Front and rear track 1750 and 1700mm Fuel tank 40litres Kerb weight 998kg 95
EUROCUP MÉGANE TROPHY REGULATIONS
CREWS One or two drivers are allowed per car in the Eurocup MĂŠgane Trophy. When two drivers share a car, they may each contest one race only at the same meeting. PRIVATE TESTING Private testing is prohibited outside the collective test sessions organised by Renault Sport. Between the 11th October 2012 and the first meeting in 2013 an allocation of thirty (30) hours of engine usage over 4,000 RPM will be allocated to each car. This allocation must not in any case be used in a circuit in where the Eurocup will take place in 2013. Competitors may take part in at least two 50-minute collective testing sessions on the Friday prior to each meeting. 96
QUALIFYING - Qualifying takes place in two sessions lasting a minimum of ten minutes. - The start grid for race one will be determined according to the best times recorded in the first session. The start grid for race two will be determined according to the best times recorded in the second session. Where two drivers share a car, each driver will take part in one qualifying session and one race only. Each meeting consists of two 40-minute races + one lap. - Each car must make one pit stop to refuel. A maximum of four persons are authorised to carry out work on the car. TYRES - Collective testing on Fridays: one set of new tyres and two sets of registered tyres - Saturday and Sunday: two sets
POINTS, PRIZE MONEY AND TITLES The 2013 Eurocup Mégane Trophy comprises three separate championships: for drivers, teams and Gentlemen drivers (aged 35 or over; who are categorised as follows: have never held a FIA Super Licence; have never finished in the top ten of a singleseater championship with a 2.0-litre or larger engine or a sports car, or GT or touring car championship; have never finished in the top five of a single-seater championship with a 1.8-litre or larger engine; have never finished in the top three of Le Mans 24 Hours; and have never been a factory driver). Prior to the start of the meeting, teams entering more than two cars must designate the two drivers whose points shall count towards the team championship. Points and prize money are awarded at the end of each race according to the following table: POSITION
POINTS
1st
25 pts
2nd
18 pts
3rd
15 pts
4th
12 pts
5th
10 pts
6th
8 pts
7th
6 pts
8th
4 pts
9th
2 pts
10th
1 pt
Drivers sharing the same car at a meeting will only be awarded points in the races in which they participate. The points system for the Gentlemen Drivers category is the same as for the overall drivers’ championship.
To score points, drivers must take part in their first event before the fourth meeting. After this, they may not score points. Otherwise, all results count towards the championship standings. In the event of any competitors finishing on equal points, the driver with the most wins will be ranked higher. If the drivers in question have the same number of wins, the number of second places will be taken into consideration, and so on should this be necessary. Should the competitors remain equal after all such considerations, the driver with the best result in the final race will be ranked higher. PRIZE MONEY Prize money awarded according to the Final Classification of the 2013 Eurocup Mégane Trophy: 1st: €100,000, 2nd: €50,000, 3rd: €25,000. If the overall winner of the 2013 Eurocup Mégane Trophy is a Junior driver the price scale above will not be applied and the prices will be distributed as follows: 1st: €150,000, 2nd: €20,000, 3rd: €10,000. 97
2012 SEASON REVIEW
Bas Schothorst (TDS Racing) put his rivals firmly in the shade when the Eurocup Mégane Trophy got under way, chalking up four wins out of four at Motorland Aragón and Spa-Francorchamps and taking what seemed to be an unshakeable grip on the championship. Having made the switch from Formula Renault 3.5 Series, Albert Costa (Oregon Team) was still finding his feet as the Dutchman swept all before him, though the Spanish driver followed up two pole positions by putting an end to Schothorst’s winning streak in race one at the Nürburgring. Though the runaway championship leader was back on top of the podium the following day, the signs were there that the season was far from over. The Spaniard closed the gap by winning the second race at the Moscow Raceway, while Schothorst could only take a pair of minor placings on a difficult weekend. Race one went to Fabien Thuner (Oregon Team), the only time all season that vic98
tory eluded the insatiable duo of Costa and Schothorst. From that point on there was no stopping the Spaniard, who took the chequered flag in the next four races at the Hungaroring and the Circuit Paul Ricard to surge into the points lead with just the final round of the season to come at the Circuit de Catalunya. The new title favourite was to endure a nightmare start to his home meeting, however, retiring at the start of race one and looking on helplessly as Schothorst recorded yet another win to move back to the top of the standings ahead of the final race. Yet with the valuable support of teammate Kevin Gilardoni and Niccolo Nalio, Costa stayed cool to score victory number seven of the season and take the title by a mere four points from Schothorst, who could only finish fourth in the deciding race. Meanwhile, the gentlemen drivers’ title went to Jean-Charles Miginiac (Team Lompech Sport).
2012 STATISTICS Pos.
Driver
Team
Points
Wins
Pole Podiums positions
Fastest laps
1st
Albert Costa
Oregon Team
251
7
11
8
6
2
Bas Schothorst
TDS Racing
247
6
8
2
6
Kevin Gilardoni
Oregon Team
160
0
4
2
0
4
Niccolo Nalio
Oregon Team
153
0
8
2
1
5
Fabien Thuner
Oregon Team
131
1
4
0
1
6
Kelvin Snoeks
TDS Racing
82
0
1
0
0
7
Jean-Charles Miginiac
Team Lompech
69
0
0
0
0
8
Thibault Bossy
Team Lompech
46
0
2
0
0
Nicolas Milan
Oregon Team
40
0
0
0
0
Jeroen Schothorst
TDS Racing
37
0
0
0
0
nd
3
rd
th
th
th
th
th
9
th
10
th
PAST WINNERS 2012
Albert Costa (Mégane Trophy)
2011
Stefano Comini (Mégane Trophy)
2010
Nick Catsburg (Mégane Trophy)
2009
Mike Verschuur (Mégane Trophy)
2008
Michaël Rossi (Mégane Trophy)
2007
Pedro Petiz (Mégane Trophy)
2006
Jaap van Lagen (Mégane Trophy)
2005
Jan Heylen (Mégane Trophy)
2004
Luca Rangoni (Clio V6)
2002
Luca Rangoni (Clio V6)
2001
Luca Rangoni (Clio V6)
2000
Luca Rangoni (Clio V6)
1999
Jérôme Policand (Clio V6)
1998
Andra Bellichi (Spider)
1997
Tommy Rustad (Spider)
1996
Franck Lagorce (Spider) 99
2013 DRIVERS AND TEAMS N°
100
DRIVERS
TEAM
1
Marguerite Laffite (FRA)
Oregon Team 1
2
TBA
Oregon Team 1
3
Kevin Gilardoni (ITA)
Oregon Team 2
4
Mirko Bortolotti (ITA)
Oregon Team 2
5
Vladimir Lunkin (RUS)
Oregon Team 3
6
Kelvin Snoeks (NED)
Oregon Team 3
7
TBA
JMB Racing
8
TBA
JMB Racing
9
Jean-Charles Miginiac (FRA)
Team Lompech Sport
11
Toni Forné (SPA)
Pujolaracing
14
Erik Janis (CZE)
Gravity Charouz
15
Jakub Knoll (CZE)
Gravity Charouz
16
TBA
Gravity Charouz
18
Steven Palette (FRA)
Team Lompech Sport
19
Jeroen Schothorst (NED)
Mc Gregor By Equipe Verschuur
20
Max Braams (NED)
Las Moras By Equipe Verschuur
21
MIike Verschuur (NED)
Mc Gregor By Equipe Verschuur
22
Ricardo Teixeira (POR)
Las Moras By Equipe Verschuur
23
Oliver Freymuth (GER)
AKF Motorsport
EUROCUP CLIO
WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT FANS LOVE TO SEE CARS RACING SIDE BY SIDE, WHICH IS JUST WHAT THEY GET WITH THE EUROCUP CLIO. THIS SEASON EUROPE’S FINEST DRIVERS IN THE CATEGORY WILL GET TO GRIPS WITH AN ENTIRELY NEW CAR, A VARIANT OF THE CLIO RENAULT SPORT 200 EDC. Following the launch of the legendary Coupe R8 Gordini in 1966, Renault Sport has continued to maintain its presence on the racetracks of Europe and the rest of the world. Sold by the thousands since 1991, the four generations of the Clio Cup were recognised for their performance, reliability and accessibility. Replacing the model in use since 2007, New Clio Cup has all the attributes of the Clio R.S. 200 EDC. The all new 1.6L directinjected turbo engine delivers 220bhp and a constant torque of 270Nm and is hooked up to a sequential gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts. In this its first season of racing, New Clio Cup is being run in the Eurocup Clio. As of next 104
year it will also be used in the national championship.
The 2013 Eurocup Clio will be held over six meetings, four of them on the World Series by Renault calendar: Spa-Francorchamps, the Red Bull Ring, the Circuit Paul Ricard and the Circuit de Catalunya.
plus one lap, races are always fast-paced affairs and serve up plenty of thrills from the first corner, while slipstreaming and late braking ensure the excitement continues all the way to the chequered flag.
There will be only one qualifying session at each meeting, with the grid for race one being determined by each driver’s fastest time and the grid for race two by their second-fastest laps. Lasting 25-minutes
As well as the overall standings, the junior and gentlemen drivers’ titles give every driver in the field something to aim for, with the champion receiving a race-ready Clio Cup at the season’s end.
105
NEW CLIO CUP DETAILED REVIEW
CHASSIS Unlike its predecessors, New Clio Cup comes complete with a welded roll cage, a first for a Renault Sport Technologiesdesigned car in this category and an innovation that obviously offers more in the way of safety than a bolted roll cage. The additional strength it provides also means better handling on corners. New Clio Cup retains all the incisiveness and balance of the Cup chassis available as an option on the Clio R.S. 200 EDC. Following the same principles as the production car, the suspension system is equipped with new adjustable Sachs shock absorbers. Along with adjustable geometry settings, they allow New Clio Cup to be tuned for track days and specific driving styles with a minimum of fuss. The springs guarantee a comfortable drive without undermining front-axle performance. New Clio Cup 106
also oversteers progressively during load transfers, enhancing driving pleasure. AERODYNAMICS Specially created to make an impact, the design of New Clio breaks fresh ground. The first car to fully express the rebirth of the Renault style under Laurens van den Acker, New Clio boasts naturally powerful streamlining, a lower ride height than its precursor and longer tracks, features that all combine to make the sport versions even more combative. New Clio Cup also takes on some of the features specific to the R.S. 200 EDC: the Formula One blade, rear diffuser, front and rear spoilers, front and rear bumpers, LED lights and twin-exhaust tailpipes, to name but a few. Make no mistake, New Clio Cup has got Renault Sport pedigree coursing through its veins.
Thanks to computational fluid dynamics and some cutting-edge work in the wind tunnel, Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers have significantly increased downforce. In conjunction with the front air extractors, the rear diffuser gives the car even more stability when cornering and braking. The result of careful analysis, the rear spoiler keeps New Clio Cup firmly on the ground, generating nearly 40kg of additional downforce at 200kph. BRAKES A lot of thought has gone into New Clio Cup’s braking system, with the emphasis on both safety and performance. An entirely new feature at this price level, the competition crankset allows precision setting of the front and rear master cylinders. Front-fitted AP Racing 320mm vented discs are gripped by four-piston Brembo callipers, while the rear-fitted solid discs are 260mm in diameter. Brake force distribution is achieved by a limiter acting on the rear circuit. The unassisted braking circuit produces excellent pedal feel, allowing the driver to modulate braking power smoothly. New Clio Cup has proved its stability, efficiency and endurance in development tests. ENGINE After more than 20 years of naturally aspirated engines, the turbo makes its much-heralded return under the bonnet of
a Renault Sport hot hatch. Optimised by the engineers at Les Ulis, the new 4-cylinder direct-injected turbo engine has been built using state-of-the-art technology such as diamond-like carbon (DLC) push rods – as used in Formula One – and a double continuous variable camshaft timing (VVT) actuator. Designed for racing, it produces 220bhp at 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 270Nm at 2,500-5,500rpm. This broader maximum range offers increased driveability compared to the naturally aspirated engines that preceded it. In contrast to Clio R.S. 200 EDC, the raceprepared New Clio Cup features a new exhaust line with a muffler and built-in catalytic converter is fitted along with a model-specific airbox. Oreca Magny-Cours is Renault Sport Technologies’s sole approved engine manufacturer for New Clio Cup, with all engines being sealed after visiting the test bench to ensure a level playing field for all competitors. GEARBOX Supplied by Sadev, the six-speed sequential gearbox is hooked up to the engine by an AP Racing competition clutch with built-in stop. Steering-wheel paddle shifts are available as an option, depend»ing on the version, along with the classic gearstick, while the all-new XAP actuator has trimmed the average gear-shift time to 100 milliseconds, a speed rarely seen in cars of this class. 107
NEW CLIO CUP DETAILED REVIEW
Put through its paces in a test campaign of over 7,000 kilometres, the powertrain has proved its efficiency and reliability, not to mention its ease of use and maintenance. ONBOARD ELECTRONICS The nerve centre of New Clio Cup, the Cosworth SQ7DI ECU manages both engine mapping and transmission shifting patterns. This unique control unit manages direct fuel injection and is sealed to prevent modifications from being made to it. Only Renault Sport Technologies can examine its contents in carrying out technical checks. Special care has been taken with New Clio Cup’s interiors. Designed exclusively for Renault Sport Technologies by the engineers at Cosworth Electronics, the new dashboard reflects their attention to detail. The colour display screen shows all the diagnostics in real time as well as essential data for the driver. 108
The multi-functional steering wheel brings the most useful information within easy reach. The secondary switches and controls can be found on the console on the driver’s right and include the start button, circuitbreaker, engine mapping selector switch (wet or dry) and brake limiter. TYRES New Clio Cup can either be fitted with Michelin 20/61-17 or Dunlop 21/62-17 tyres, depending on the competition. Crafted by Renault Design, its 17-inch rims are supplied by Speedline.
CHASSIS Type Steel monocoque Bodywork Welded roll cage Aerodynamic features Diffuser and rear spoiler ENGINE Layout Front transversally mounted Type Renault M5Mt – 4 cylinder – 16 valve – 1618cc Max. power 220bhp at 6,000rpm Max. torque 270Nm at 2,500-5,500rpm Max engine speed 6,500rpm Electronics Cosworth SQ7 Di – XAP electric control TRANSMISSION Type Traction Gearbox Sadev ST82-17 six-speed sequential + reverse gear Controls XAP electric control Gearshift Semi-automatic steering-wheel mounted (optional) Differential Sadev 23/90 self-locking limited-slip Clutch AP Racing clutch discs and mechanism – Sadev stop AXLES AND SUSPENSIONS Front suspension Pseudo-McPherson one-way adjustable Sachs shock absorber Rear suspension One-way adjustable Sachs shock absorber with programmed flexible axle/torsion beam Front brakes AP Racing 320mm vented, Brembo four-piston Rear brakes AP Racing 260mm solid discs WHEELS Rims Speedline 8x17 aluminium one-piece Tyres Michelin 20-61x17 or Dunlop 21-62 x17 DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITY Length / width / height 4090 / 1945 / 1429mm Front / rear track 1550 / 1520mm Fuel tank 40 litres Kerb weight 1065kg 109
EUROCUP CLIO REGULATIONS
AUTHORISED TEAMS AND DRIVERS All drivers participating in the Eurocup Clio must hold a Grade A, B or C International FIA Licence. A maximum of 38 applications to take part in all the events in the series will be accepted, with priority given to teams and drivers already entered in a 2013 national Clio Cup championship approved by Renault Sport. Teams who are accepted for the entire Eurocup Clio must participate in every event with the number of cars and drivers they entered in making their application. PRIVATE TESTING Collective testing days open to all competitors registered in the series may be organised at one or more of the circuits hosting championship events or on other circuits. From January 1st 2013 and the last race of the 2013 Eurocup Clio season, any driver registered or supposed to participate in the whole championship or one of the events is banned to test or drive: at any of the 2013 Eurocup Clio circuits, including any part of the mentioned circuit, with a Clio Cup 4 car (98Cup) running any type of car except where a driver is participating in a race of another championship prior the authorisation of the Organising Committee; at any of 110
the 2013 Eurocup Clio circuits, including any part of the mentioned circuit, running any type of car, less than 15 days before the concerned meeting. COLLECTIVE TESTING Drivers competing in 2013 Eurocup Clio races and national Clio Cup championship races at the same meeting may only take part in the collective testing and free practice sessions scheduled for the Eurocup Clio. RACE FORMAT Each meeting comprises one qualifying session and two races, each lasting 25 minutes + one lap. QUALIFYING Qualifying sessions will be open to all teams and drivers admitted to the meeting. In the event that more than 40 drivers enter a meeting, stewards may decide to split the qualifying session into two groups, depending on their criteria. Each qualifying session will last a minimum of 20 minutes. If the session is split into two groups, each session will last no less than ten minutes per group. The number of cars allowed to start each Eurocup Clio race is limited to the maximum allowed at each circuit.
START GRID The start grid for race one will be determined according to the order of the fastest timed laps recorded by the drivers during the qualifying session. Should qualifying be split into two groups, the start grid for race one will be determined according to the order of the fastest timed laps recorded by the drivers in each group during the session. The start grid for race two will be determined according to the order of the second best timed laps recorded by the drivers during the qualifying session. Should qualifying be split into two groups, the start grid for race two will be determined according to the order of the second-fastest timed laps recorded by the drivers in each group during the session. TYRE ALLOCATIONS Slick tyres may be used without restriction during collective testing sessions. During qualifying and both races, however, the use of front tyres is regulated. Each driver may use a maximum of four front slick tyres, which must be the same tyres as those registered by the competitor beforehand. Any number of rear tyres may be used, although tyres cannot be swapped over during qualifying and races. There are no restrictions on the quantity of wet-weather tyres used.
POINTS AND TITLES The 2013 Eurocup Clio includes three classifications: Drivers, Gentlemen Drivers and a Junior. The Junior classification will be open to drivers born after December 31, 1987. The Gentlemen Drivers classification will be open to drivers born before December 31, 1972 Prior to the start of each meeting, teams entering more than two cars must designate the two drivers whose points shall count towards the team championship. To score points, drivers must take part in their first event at or before the third meeting. If they do so after this stage, they may not score points. The points awarded for their placing will be given to the next driver in the race standings. POSITION
POINTS
1st
25 pts
2nd
18 pts
3rd
15 pts
4th
12 pts
5th
10 pts
6th
8 pts
7th
6 pts
8th
4 pts
9th
2 pts
10th
1 pt
AWARDS Trophies will be awarded to each of the top three drivers in the overall 2013 Eurocup Clio standings, to the best junior driver, and to the best Gentleman driver. Renault Sport will offer to the driver winning the 2013 Eurocup Clio a Clio Cup car. Renault Sport will offer the driver winning the Junior classification one free entry to the Eurocup Clio 2014. 111
2012 SEASON REVIEW
Held over four meetings, the Eurocup Clio kicked off at Spa-Francorchamps, where Marc Guillot (Milan Competition) burst clear from a very evenly matched pack to take the first race of the season. The Frenchman followed up with third place in race two to leave Belgium with the points lead from Rafael Villanueva (Milan Competition), who claimed two second places at Spa, and Mike Verschuur (Equipe Verschuur), the winner of Sunday’s race. After failing to impress in round one, Oscar Nogues (Rangoni Motorsport) stormed back into contention at the Nürburgring, securing a first and a second place to move up to third in the standings. Leading the way still was Guillot, the winner of race two in Germany, with Verschuur behind him thanks to his two podium finishes. 112
Following a long summer break, the action resumed at the Circuit Paul Ricard. While points leader Marc Guillot had a weekend to forget, Nogues and Verschuur picked up a win apiece, trimming the Frenchman’s advantage at the top to a mere two points, with the Spaniard and the Dutchman in hot pursuit. As was the case in the three other championships that make up the World Series by Renault, the 2012 Eurocup Clio title was decided at the Circuit de Catalunya. Home driver Nogues made a decisive move by winning Saturday’s race and moving into the points lead, the Spaniard clinching the title 24 hours later from Guillot and Verschuur when all three failed to finish the final race of the season, which was won by Christian Ricciarini (Composit Motorsport).
2012 STATISTICS Pos.
Driver
Team
Points
Wins
Pole Podiums positions
Fastest laps
1st
Oscar Nogues
Rangoni Motorsport
115
3
4
1
0
2
Marc Guillot
Milan Competition
106
2
4
2
2
3rd
Mike Verschuur
Equipe Verschuur
91
1
4
2
2
4th
Rafael Villanueva
Milan Competition
80
0
4
0
1
5
th
Eric Trémoulet
Vic Team
66
0
0
0
1
6
th
Christian Ricciarini
Composit Motorsport
66
1
2
0
0
7th
Simone di Luca
Rangoni Motorsport
49
0
2
0
1
8th
Jordi Palomeras
Milan Competition
39
0
1
1
1
9
Thomas Fjordbach
Polar Seafood Racing
36
0
1
0
0
Frédéric Yerly
Gruyere Racing Team
33
0
0
0
0
nd
th
10
th
PAST WINNERS 2012
Oscar Nogues
2011
Nicolas Milan
113
RALLY
FIA EUROPEAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES WILL COMPETE AT THE SEVEN ASPHALT EVENTS IN THE 2013 FIA EUROPEAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP, SENDING OUT TWO MÉGANE R.S. N4 AND CREWS FORMED BY ROBERT CONSANI AND THIBAUT GORCZYCA, AND GERMAIN BONNEFIS AND OLIVIER FOURNIER. THE AIM IS TO WIN THE ERC PRODUCTION CAR CUP TEAM AND DRIVERS’ TITLES. From the Supercinq GT Turbo through to Jean Ragnotti’s Clio, Renault Sport has always made its presence felt in the Group N category in asphalt events. Continuing that proud heritage, the Mégane R.S. N4 has proved a force to be reckoned with since its launch in early 2011. Backed by the competition’s promoter Eurosport Events, the FIA has breathed new life into the ERC, prompting Renault Sport Technologies to make its official entrance this year.
Eric Balondrade. “With the Mégane R.S. N4 and the teams we’ve got in place, we’re aiming to add even more race wins and titles to the marque’s long list of triumphs. We’ve achieved great things in the last few years thanks to a succession of good drivers, and Robert Consani is one of them. We’re also banking on Germain Bonnefis, who we’ve been following closely for a long time. Thanks to extensive media coverage, the European Rally Championship has stepped up a level this year and will make for an interesting alternative to WRC.”
“Rally has been in Renault’s genes for more than 80 years, and we are proud and thrilled to present this ambitious project,” said Renault Sport Technologies Team Manager
Renault Sport Technologies has tied up a partnership with Michelin and Elf, two of its legendary partners, for this FIA ERC programme.
116
RENAULT SPORT TEAM 2013 PROGRAMME 21-23 MARCH RALLY ISLAS CANARIAS SPAIN 16-18 MAY TOUR DE CORSE FRANCE 27-29 JUNE GEKO YPRES RALLY BELGIUM 30 AUG.-1 SEPT. BARUM CZECH RALLY ZLIN CZECH REPUBLIC 26-28 SEPTEMBER CROATIA RALLY CROATIA 10-12 OCTOBER RALLYE SANREMO ITALY 7-9 NOVEMBER RALLYE INTERNATIONAL DU VALAIS SWITZERLAND
117
GERMAIN BONNEFIS RALLYING IS IN THE LIFEBLOOD OF THE BONNEFIS FAMILY. GERMAIN MADE HIS DEBUT IN THE COCKPIT READING PACE NOTES FOR HIS FATHER AND SOON FOUND HIMSELF BEHIND THE WHEEL, MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF IN REGIONAL COMPETITIONS. In 2008 Germain began his rise through the various driver development series, just missing out on wins in 2009 and 2010 before finally coming out on top in 2011. Making the most of a development programme in the French Gravel Rally Championship, he won his first national title last season before joining the Renault Sport Technologies team this year. Date of birth: 4 October 1986 Place of birth: Rodez, France Codriver: Olivier Fournier Career honours: 2012 - French Gravel Rally champion 2011 - Winner of the Volant 207
118
ROBERT CONSANI THE WINNER OF THE 2012 IRC PRODUCTION CUP IN A MÉGANE R.S. N4 AND A MAJOR ARCHITECT OF RENAULT’S IRC 2WD CUP SUCCESS LAST YEAR, ROBERT CONSANI HAS NOW TEAMED UP WITH THIBAUT GORCZYCA TO FLY THE RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES FLAG IN THE 2013 FIA EUROPEAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP. Stepping up from a brilliant career in karting, the Provence driver has starred for Renault Sport in the last few seasons, finding success on the domestic scene in the Clio R3 France Trophy and further afield in the Clio R3 European Trophy and Intercontinental Rally Challenge, with the Mégane R.S. N4. Date of birth: 27 August 1982 Place of birth: Aix-en-Provence, France Codriver: Thibaut Gorczyca Career honours: 2012 - Winner of the 2012 IRC Production Cup
119
TWINGO R1 & R2 FRANCE TROPHIES
FIRMLY COMMITTED TO RALLY, RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES HAS CONSOLIDATED ITS PRESENCE IN THE FRENCH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP THIS YEAR. RENOWNED FOR OFFERING A HIGH LEVEL OF COMPETITION, THE TWINGO R1 AND R2 FRANCE TROPHIES ARE HELD OVER SIX ROUNDS. Open to drivers under the age of 25, the French Junior Rally Championship continues to form part of the Twingo R1 Trophy calendar. The young guns taking part this year will be hoping to match the standards set by Jeremie Serieys, the reigning French Junior Rally champion and now at the wheel of a Twingo R.S. R2 Evo. Staged for the third year running now, the Twingo R1 France Trophy gives young drivers the chance to show what they can do at the wheel of a Twingo R.S. R1 fitted with a 133bhp K4M Renault Sport engine, all in an event that is both highly competitive and affordable in terms of running costs. 120
A step up in class, the Twingo R2 France Trophy provides owners of the Twingo R.S. R2 and 193bhp Twingo R.S. R2 Evo with the perfect environment for unveiling their skills. A series of cash prizes and parts are on offer to help competitors with the funding of their programmes. All entrants in the Renault Sport trophies use Pirelli tyres.
TWINGO R1 & R2 FRANCE TROPHIES 2013 CALENDAR 15-16 MARCH RALLYE LE TOUQUET PAS-DE-CALAIS 10-11 MAY RALLYE RÉGION LIMOUSIN 12-14 JULY RALLYE AVEYRON ROUERGUE MIDI-PYRÉNÉES 6-7 SEPTEMBER RALLYE MONT-BLANC MORZINE 1-2 NOVEMBER CRITÉRIUM DES CÉVENNES 22-24 NOVEMBER RALLYE DU VAR
121
FRANCE RALLY TROPHY REGULATIONS
ELIGIBILITY The Twingo R1 Trophy is open to drivers competing in Twingo R.S. R1s built from kits marketed by Renault Sport Technologies. Competitors aged under 25 (born after 31 December 1987) are also eligible for the French Junior Rally Championship. The Twingo R2 Trophy is open to drivers competing in the Twingo R.S. R2 or R2 Evo, built from kits marketed by Renault Sport Technologies. Drivers entering one of the last two rounds of the seasons are not eligible to score points. Competitors in both trophies must enter the French Motorsports Federation (FFSA) Rally Championship, though they are not allowed to take part in shakedowns or use gravel crews. POINTS AND TITLES In both Trophy competitions the top 10 drivers in each rally score points according to the following system, which 122
is also used in the French Junior Rally Championship: POSITION
POINTS
1st
25 pts
2nd
18 pts
3rd
15 pts
4th
12 pts
5th
10 pts
6th
8 pts
7th
6 pts
8th
4 pts
9th
2 pts
10th
1 pt
The titles are awarded to drivers scoring the most points when their five best results are added together. Drivers may not discard events from which they have been excluded.
PRIZES At the end of each rally Renault Sport and its partners will distribute prizes in the form of cash and vouchers for Renault Sport competition spare parts. At the end of the season the French Junior Rally champion will be rewarded with a place in the 2014 French Rally Championship, in which they will drive a Twingo R.S. R2 Evo for a professional team. The runner-up and the third-placed driver in the standings will win 5,000 and 3,000 in parts vouchers respectively. The top three in the Twingo R2 Trophy will respectively receive 12,000, 5,000 and 3,000 in vouchers for competition spares. TYRES Entrants in the Renault Sport trophies must use Pirelli tyres. Each competitor in the Twingo R1 Trophy may use a maxi-
mum of eight RX5-type moulded slick tyres per rally, with RX7-type tyres being permitted for the Rallye Le Touquet Pasde-Calais. There is no restriction on the use of wet tyres (RX5 tyres, with only 30% of the tread surface modified, or N3-type tyres). In the Twingo R2 Trophy a maximum of ten RX-type slick tyres may be used per rally. There is no restriction on the use of wet tyres (RX tyres, with only 30% of the tread surface modified, or RE tyres). Semi slicks may not be used in conjunction with wet tyres. TECHNICAL All competitors will have their engine maps checked and scrutinised by Renault Sport’s technical officials before the start of each rally.
123
JÉRÉMIE SERIEYS AFTER EIGHT YEARS COMPETING IN MOTOCROSS, JÉRÉMIE SERIEYS MADE HIS RALLY DEBUT IN 2008. THE DRIVER FROM HERAULT BEGAN TO SHOW HIS SKILLS ON THE ROADS IN HIS FIRST CRITÉRIUM DES CÉVENNES IN 2011. Last season, he participated in the Twingo R1 France Trophy and also won – in his first national campaign – the French Junior Rally Championship. It was this win in a national title, which earned him his place this year in the Renault Sport development team driving a Twingo R.S. R2 Evo. Date of birth: 5 February 1988 Place of birth: Montpellier, France Codriver: Justine Quillet Career honours: 2012 - French Junior Rally champion
124
MÉGANE R.S. N4 HAVING BEEN THE FIRST MANUFACTURER TO OFFER A FULL RANGE BASED ON FIA GROUP R REGULATIONS, RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES HAS SINCE ADDED TO ITS LINEUP WITH MÉGANE R.S. N4. DEVELOPPED FOR RALLYING ON TARMAC, THE GROUP N VERSION BUILDS ON THE STRENGTHS OF THE ORIGINAL CHASSIS AND ENGINE TO SET A NEW STANDARD.
With the aim of keeping costs down, Group N regulations impose strict limits on the modifications that can be made to the original car. These constraints have worked in the Mégane R.S. N4’s favour, as takes full advantage of the technology used on the production model. The independent steering axis front suspension design has allowed engineers to develop a chassis that combines traction, directional stability and driving comfort. The car’s three-way adjustable shock absorbers also allow settings to be adapted to all different driving styles.
126
Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre 16v turbo engine’s performance has been enhanced with an optimised electronic management system. Despite the presence of a regulatory air restrictor, the Mégane R.S. N4’s engine can generate 280 bhp with 470 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled with a fivespeed H-pattern gearbox with dog clutch, developed specifically for this type of use.
TWINGO R.S. R2 EVO MODERN, AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE, TWINGO R.S. R2 IS DESIGNED TO FOLLOW IN THE TRACKS OF PREVIOUS MODELS THAT HAVE ENABLED ENTIRE GENERATIONS OF DRIVERS TO PURSUE THEIR PASSION FOR MOTORSPORT, SUCH AS SUPER 5 GT TURBO AND THE GROUP N CLIO R.S. RAGNOTTI. LIKE TWINGO R.S. R2, THE EVO VERSION DELIVERS GREAT DRIVEABILITY AND FIRST-CLASS PERFORMANCE.
As well as improvements to certain elements of the running gear, Twingo R.S. R2 Evo boasts new Öhlins two-way adjustable hydraulic bump stop shock absorbers. The four-cylinder 1.6-litre 16v engine has been specially prepared to generate up to 195 bhp, which is 62 bhp more than the production engine. The engine is coupled with a five-speed sequential gearbox with a ‘joystick’ gearshift mounted on the steering wheel, and develops a maximum torque of 200 Nm.
Twingo R.S. R2 Evo is sold as a complete kit, or as an upgrade kit for the R2 version. A gravel kit, consisting of suspension and chassis-strengthening parts, is also available.
127
TWINGO R.S. R1 DRIVEN BY THE ORIGINAL SPIRIT OF MOTORSPORT, RENAULT SPORT WAS THE FIRST MANUFACTURER TO GAIN COMPETITION APPROVAL FOR A CAR IN THE R1 CATEGORY, WHICH WAS CREATED BY THE FIA TO HELP YOUNG DRIVERS GETTING INTO RALLYING. TWINGO R.S. R1 RETAINS THE MOST ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE PRODUCTION MODEL.
Most of the changes from the production version are related to driver and co-driver safety. Taking Twingo R.S. as its base, the R1 version uses Twingo R.S. R2’s roll cage, which is bolted to the body shell for easier assembly. The car is also equipped with bucket seats, harnesses, a circuit breaker and a fire extinguisher – all of which are essential to safe rally driving.
128
The 1.6-litre 16v, 133-bhp engine and fivespeed gearbox both derive from the production model, with a short final drive setting the only performance-boosting modification. Both the front shock absorbers, taken from Clio R.S. Trophy, and the rear shock absorbers, from the original car, are nonadjustable. The original braking system, meanwhile, is enhanced by the presence of competition brake pads.
RENAULT SPORT 2013 MEDIA GUIDE
[ media.renaultsport.com ]
© RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES 2013 CONCEPTION, ÉDITION & RÉDACTION : ZONE ROUGE - TRADUCTION : WHP PHOTOS : MÉDIATHÈQUE RENAULT, DPPI - IMPRESSION : J. BRARD IMPRIMEURS - IMPRIM’VERT®. RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES - 14 AVENUE DES TROPIQUES - LES ULIS - F-91978 COURTABOEUF CEDEX TÉL. : +33 (0)1 76 82 40 00 - WWW.RENAULTSPORT.COM