Renault RS01

Renault RS01
The RS01 on display at the 2013 Rétromobile
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorRenault
Designer(s)François Castaing (Technical Director)
André de Cortanze (Chief Designer)
Jean-Pierre Jabouille (Engineering Director)
Marcel Hubert (Head of Aerodynamics)
SuccessorRS10
Technical specifications
ChassisAluminium monocoque
EngineRenault-Gordini EF1 1,496 cc (91.3 cu in), 90° V6, turbocharged, mid-engine, longitudinally-mounted
Transmissionmanual
Power510 hp @ 11,000 rpm[1]
FuelElf
TyresMichelin
Competition history
Notable entrantsEquipe Renault Elf
Notable drivers15. France Jean-Pierre Jabouille
16. France René Arnoux
Debut1977 British Grand Prix
Last event1979 Belgian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPolesF/Laps
25010
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships0

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.[2] 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.

  1. ^ "Engine Renault • STATS F1".
  2. ^ "Renault 30th F1 anniversary/ Talks about the RS01". Formula1.com. Retrieved 2013-08-11.