2New Formula Renault <strong>2.0</strong> :
a worthy successorDecidedly modern with flowing, sensual lines, New Formula Renault <strong>2.0</strong> has been designedto give young drivers aiming to graduate to Formula 1 the perfect tool to hone their talent.Successor to the best-selling single-seater in the world, this new generation race car has beendeveloped and manufactured by Renault Sport Technologies. The car will make its competitivedebut in 2010 in the Eurocup Formula Renault <strong>2.0</strong> and national championships.Formula Renault has been an essential stage inthe career of many young drivers for close to thirtyyears. Alain Prost, René Arnoux, Didier Pironi andmore recently, Kimi Räikkönen, Lewis Hamilton,Robert Kubica and Felipe Massa all made a name forthemselves in Formula Renault at the start of theircareers. The 2010 season will see the competitivedebut of New Formula Renault <strong>2.0</strong>, devised anddesigned by Renault Sport Technologies to giveyoung drivers the chance to learn about a race carwith features and handling similar to those used inthe more prestigious categories.The honeycomb and carbon-fibre monocoqueis the first to be awarded the FIA F3 2011homologation. Studied using wind tunnel testsand CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), the car’saerodynamic downforce is significantly greater thanthat of its predecessor, enabling it to corner at higherspeeds.The 210bhp 4-cylinder <strong>2.0</strong>-litre 16V engine, derivedfrom Clio III Renault Sport Phase 2, is combined witha seven-speed sequential gearbox with electricsteering wheel mounted paddles. New FormulaRenault <strong>2.0</strong> therefore comes with a transmissionsystem that was previously unavailable for race carsin this category or at this price. The new gearboxoffers drivers the opportunity to grapple with the kindof system they will encounter throughout their racingcareers, right up to the dizzy heights of F1.Fitted with adjustable twin-tube shock absorbers,the suspension system features two conventionalsolutions: single shock absorber at the front anddouble shock absorber at the rear. Michelin hascustom-developed wider tyres for the car. NewFormula Renault <strong>2.0</strong> is now able to complete 200kilometres on the same set of tyres.The new car’s braking system reveals another of itsstrengths. Identical on all four wheels, the floatingbrake disc system with four-piston calipers offersgreater performance and durability.A key ingredient in modern motorsport, particularattention has been paid to the car’s onboardelectronics. Engine and gearbox management ishandled by an ECU that may only be accessedby Renault Sport. A second unit manages dataacquisition, which makes full use of the car’s built-insensors. The new steering wheel, featuring a built-incolour dashboard display, provides drivers and teamswith a wealth of information.A development programme covering over 6,000kilometres, led by Renault Sport Technologies’technical teams and the drivers Filipe Albuquerque,Alvaro Parente and Andy Soucek, clearly demonstratedthe car’s improved performance levels.New Formula Renault <strong>2.0</strong> calls upon deft drivingskills, very similar to those needed to drive a FormulaRenault 3.5. Thanks to its optimized design, incrediblereliability and a reduced number of spare parts, NewFormula Renault <strong>2.0</strong>’s running costs have been cutby 10%. Assembled at the Alpine plant in Dieppe,the race cars undergo thorough inspection and roadtesting prior to delivery. New Formula Renault <strong>2.0</strong>is available in race-ready configuration at €57,500excl. tax. It is set to make its competitive debut in2010 in the Eurocup Formula Renault <strong>2.0</strong> and nationalchampionships.3