2005 ANNUAL REPORT - Renault

A competitive
international group
Renault has developed a genuine F1 culture centered
on the permanent fine-tuning of its chassis and engine,
with all those involved putting their full energy into
the project and carrying it through to victory.
The team also contributed actively to raising Renault's
international profile. Formula 1 roadshows were
organized in major capitals like Istanbul, Moscow
and Rome. These events, which all attracted in excess
of 50,000 spectators, featured a parade of the Renault
F1 car in the city's streets, plus Renault road car
exhibitions and demonstration runs by historic models
from Renault's own collection.
With a global TV audience of 2.3 billion viewers in 2005,
including 200 million in China, Renault's World
Championship double is expected to reap significant
commercial benefits, especially in countries where
the Group is now setting up operations. A survey carried
out in November 2005* revealed that the Group has
gained broader recognition and a reputation for technical
excellence.
Shared enthusiasm for working together
was a key to success for the Renault F1 Team.
The superior reliability
of the R25 opened
the road to victory.
Engineered for victory
The philosophy behind the design of the car was based on
ongoing development work during the year. This work focused
on all areas, from improving structural rigidity and saving
weight to ensuring the most compact packaging for the
mechanical components in order to give as much freedom
as possible to the aerodynamicists. The reward was a 10%
gain in efficiency between the start and finish of the season
and the fall-off in performance resulting from changes to the
technical regulations at the beginning of the year was
progressively overcome. An all-new electronic system enabling
engine and chassis data to be handled by a single electronic
unit contributed to optimizing the car's efficiency thanks
a 400% increase in its processing capacity and a tenfold
increase in its data-logging capacity. Meanwhile, the car was
powered by a new V10 engine featuring a "V" angle of 72°
and a lifecycle extended to more than 1,400km. The V-shaped
keel on which the front suspension was mounted represented
a creative compromise between the two approaches
experimented by other teams. Finally, the banning of mid-race
tire changes saw Renault review its race strategies which led
to one less pit-stop per race.
The results of this survey were particularly clear:
• One automobile consumer in two believes that
the presence of a carmaker in F1 is beneficial for its
image;
• One in five said they place greater confidence
in carmakers involved in Formula 1 (one in two
in China, and one in three in Brazil);
• One in four considered that Renault's presence in F1
allows it to improve the reliability of its road vehicles;
• One in five said that Renault's results have had
a positive effect on their perception of Renault
and its products (one in two in China).
Finally, 10% of respondents said that Renault's
involvement in F1 has led them to want to purchase
a vehicle from the Renault range.
* A Research International survey conducted on behalf of Renault in November 2005
using the quota method and based on a sample of 8,000 automobile consumers
in 23 countries in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia and South America.
2005 Renault Annual Report
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