The ING Renault F1 Team is a subsidiary extension of the Renault. Renault and is an old name at the Formula 1 circuit, having served in the categories of constructor and engine supplier for several decades. The Renault RS01, which debuted at the British
The Budding Stage
Renault was involved in Formula 1 racing for the first time through its extension "Renault Sport". In 1977, Renault manufactured the Renault RS01, which made its debut at the British Grand Prix. There were technical difficulties in the automotive which resulted in its earning the nickname “Yellow Teapot”. The fortunes of the team turned towards the better in the later half of 1978. It finished at the fourth position at Watkin Glens and earned its first Formula 1 points. Jabouille, the team driver reaped a pole position at the South African Grand Prix in 1979. Jabouille had a new team partner in Rene Armoux, and with RS 10 in hand they gave forth a dazzling performance at the French Grand Prix.
Grand Prix Successes
The team continued to have successes with René Armoux, who secured two consecutive wins in South Africa and Brazil. Alain Prost joined the team in 1981. Prost emerged victorious in nine Grand Prix races. Arnoux earned two more titles in 1982. When Renoux left for Ferrari, Renault signed up Eddie Cheever. In 1983, Prost almost won the title for Renault at the South African Grand Prix, but was outscored by Nelson Piquet in the last race. After the departure of Prost, Patrick Tambay and Derek Warwick came in. The team could not however, retain its winning edge. The Renault FI withdrew from the Formula1 circuit by the end of 1986 due to financial problems.
The Comeback
Renault purchased the Benetton Formula Limited in 2000 with a staggering sum of $ 120 Million. The name of Benetton was retained for the 2000 and 2001 Formula 1 seasons. In 2001, Button and Fisichella scored 10 points, while Fisichella secured a podium finish at Belgium. In 2002, the team was renamed as Renault 1 and scored 23 points throughout the season. Alonso won the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix for Renault. The winning streak was continued by Trulli in 2004, who won the Monaco Grand Prix. In 2005, Fisichella won the first race of the Australian Grand Prix. Alonso too showed remarkable gamesmanship by being the winner at the next three races. In 2006, the Renault- Alonso tie-up was challenged by the McLaren- Mercedes and Kimi Raikkonen. Though McLaren scored a one-two finish, Alonso secured the Driver’s title at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Present Decade
2006 started off well with Alonso winning the Australian Grand Prix and the Bahrain Grand Prix. The winning streak continued with Alonso emerging as the winner in Monaco and Spain. Fisichella secured the 3rd, 6th and 8th positions at the Spanish Grand Prix, the European Grand Prix and the San Marino Grand Prix. Alonso went on to win the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. From 2007 onwards, ING would become the title sponsor for a span of three years. In 2007, Nelson Piquet Jr. and Richard Zonta became the test drivers for Renault. Renault also supplied engines to the Red Bull Racing Team. 2008 saw Fernando Alonso team up with Nelson Angelo Piquet for the Renault F 1 team.
Besides winning the Driver's Championship and the Constructor’s Championship for two consecutive times in 2005 and 2006, Renault also contributed to the Driver’s World Championship for five times in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1997. It also got its taste of Grand Prix success as engine suppliers to Williams and Benetton who nipped the Constructor’s World Championships for 6 times in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997.
