Renault RS01
The RS01 on display at the 2013 Rétromobile | |||||||||
| Category | Formula One | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | Renault | ||||||||
| Designer(s) | François Castaing (Technical Director) André de Cortanze (Chief Designer) Jean-Pierre Jabouille (Engineering Director) Marcel Hubert (Head of Aerodynamics) | ||||||||
| Successor | RS10 | ||||||||
| Technical specifications | |||||||||
| Chassis | Aluminium monocoque | ||||||||
| Length | 4,500 millimetres (180 in) | ||||||||
| Width | 2,000 millimetres (79 in) | ||||||||
| Height | 1,200 millimetres (47 in) | ||||||||
| Axle track | 1,540 millimetres (61 in) (Front) 1,520 millimetres (60 in) (Rear) | ||||||||
| Wheelbase | 2,500 millimetres (98 in) | ||||||||
| Engine | Renault-Gordini EF1 1,496 cc (91.3 cu in), 90° V6, turbocharged, mid-engine, longitudinally-mounted | ||||||||
| Transmission | Hewland FGA 400 6-speed manual | ||||||||
| Power | 510 horsepower (520 PS; 380 kW) @ 11,000 rpm 372 newton-metres (274 lbf⋅ft) @ 9,600 rpm | ||||||||
| Weight | 605–699 kilograms (1,334–1,541 lb) | ||||||||
| Fuel | Elf | ||||||||
| Tyres | Michelin | ||||||||
| Competition history | |||||||||
| Notable entrants | Equipe Renault Elf | ||||||||
| Notable drivers | 15. Jean-Pierre Jabouille 16. René Arnoux | ||||||||
| Debut | 1977 British Grand Prix | ||||||||
| Last event | 1979 Belgian Grand Prix | ||||||||
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| Constructors' Championships | 0 | ||||||||
| Drivers' Championships | 0 | ||||||||
The Renault RS01 was the first Formula One car to be powered by a turbocharged engine. It was also the first to use radial tyres, which were provided by Michelin. Designed by André de Cortanze and Jean-Pierre Jabouille, it first appeared at the 1977 British Grand Prix. The rules of F1 at the time permitted 3.0 litre naturally-aspirated engines, with a clause for a 1.5 litre supercharged or turbocharged engine. None of the teams had pursued this avenue, and stuck to Ford Cosworth DFV engines, whilst Ferrari, Matra and Alfa Romeo concentrated on developing Flat-12 engines for their cars, and their customer teams of Ligier and Brabham. Leading French car manufacturer Renault decided to develop a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine, and a car to accompany the powerplant.