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Sauber Petronas

Was the Mercedes engine in the 93-94 Saubee not an Illmor?

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122120

It would be about time, Renault dragging their heels way too long over the deal.

That could mean one of two things.

The first is that Honda's first V6 engine was allegedly quite good - much better than what they eventually made. The problems have mostly arisen because McLaren asked them to make a 'size zero' engine very late on to try and fit in with a very minimalist aero package (Prodromou is a disciple of Newey, do not forget), and in the process of trying to shrink the engine something went wrong and it stopped working properly. The rest is now (very funny) history. So, maybe Honda gave Red Bull, or a Red Bull-linked third party (Mario Illen) the design for that first engine, Illen has worked his magic and, because it is being registered by either Red Bull or Illen Automotive or another company not called Honda, they can run it separately from the 'size zero' Honda and could be very competitive.

Or it could mean that they have another engine, possibly the Renault with Illen's rejected upgrades, and Ron will be unhappy because it the engine will be called TAG.

Or maybe the two statements are unrelated - Ron Dennis is a miserable bastard who is never very happy, and Red Bull's new engine will have nothing to do with it.

The new tyre rules "explained"

I still can't understand why they make it so complicated. Why does Pirelli have to chose a set the teams have to use?

Renault announces return to Formula 1 in 2016
December 03, 2015 | ID: 73985
Renault announces return to Formula 1 in 2016

Carlos Ghosn announces his decision that Renault will return to Formula 1 with its own team for 2016 season.
Renault, 12-time Constructors’ Champion with nearly 40 years in the sport, is an iconic brand in Formula 1 and intends to play an active role in the sport’s development.
F1 is a technology showcase and accelerates development of Renault’s innovation and range of sports cars.


Following the September announcement of the signing of a Letter of Intent with Lotus, teams at Renault continued to evaluate the possibility of a return to Formula 1. Particular attention was paid to competing successfully with its own team in a financially sound way starting in 2016.

“Renault had two options: to come back at 100 percent or leave. After a detailed study, I have decided that Renault will be in Formula 1, starting 2016. The final details supplied by F1’s main stakeholders gave us the confidence to accept this new challenge. Our ambition is to win--even if it will take some time,” said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO, Renault.

As a full team, Renault will take maximum benefit from its victories. The payback as an engine supplier proved to be limited. The return on the investment necessitated by the new engine regulations and the return in terms of image were low.

Work continues on finalizing the terms of the acquisition of the Lotus F1 Team in the shortest timeframe possible. The principal contracts were signed on December 3, 2015. The Lotus F1 Team effectively stands out as the best partner. Renault and Lotus F1 have known each other for 15 years and were world champions together in 2005 and 2006.

Renault has had uninterrupted involvement in Formula 1 for almost 40 years. In 1977, it revolutionised the championship with the introduction of turbocharging, a technique that soon became the norm in the sport. Renault has since taken part in more than 600 grand prix, claiming 168 race wins, 12 Constructors’ titles and 11 Drivers’ crowns.

Renault’s decision to continue its involvement in Formula 1 is confirmation that it sees motorsport as an essential part of the brand’s identity. Formula 1 is the ultimate symbol of the passion for automobiles. Passion defines Renault as expressed by its brand signature, ‘Passion for Life’. In addition to attracting many customers, Formula 1 also fuels employee motivation. As the pinnacle of motor sport, Formula 1 demands technological and operational excellence. The championship serves as a showcase for the technological expertise that Renault dials into its products for the benefit of its customers.

Formula 1 is a means for Renault to accelerate development and remain at the forefront of the sport’s technological progress. It simultaneously allows Renault to build bridges between the advanced technologies seen in the world championship and its road cars, particularly in the fields of electric and hybrid vehicles. Consistent with its commitment to F1, Renault will develop its R.S. range by stepping up investment in order to be active on every continent and in even more segments with vehicles that meet the needs of their different markets.

Formula 1 serves to promote awareness of the Renault brand and its image in all its markets across the world. Formula 1 is one of the sports that enjoys the most media coverage worldwide thanks to a following on five continents, particularly in emerging markets. It attracts 450 million television viewers annually and its scope for growth is enormous thanks to opportunities founded on new technologies, social networks, video games, etc. that have yet to be fully exploited.

In January, we will provide more detailed information about Renault’s F1 programme ahead of the 2016 championship that begins next March.

Maldonado and Palmer, what a terrible line-up for a factory team.