E spec engine for Renault

At this weekend's European Grand Prix, the Renault F1 Team will be using an 'E' spec RS23 engine. The aim: to be constantly searching for more performance.

Nothing every stops in Formula 1. After returning from the Canadian Grand Prix two weeks ago, the Team began testing at Jerez. On the programme was the approval of the engine step planned for the Nürburgring. "Everything worked fine with it," confirms Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Operations. "We therefore decided to use it this weekend. From the beginning of private testing tomorrow morning, through to Sunday's race, the 'E' spec engine will be in the back of the car."

The modified engine brings a significant gain in performance. "There are two possibilities for improving an engine's performance: optimise the intake and filling of the cylinders, or increasing engine speed," explains Denis. "We chose to concentrate on the first of these solutions, and have done a lot of work on the upper part of the engine."

"To summarise, from the air-intake to the combustion chamber, many parts have been re-designed. The engine's performance has been improved at every level, without compromising reliability and without demanding greater engine speeds." At the Nürburgring, the new RS23 should bring with it a gain of 0.2s per lap compared to the D spec used until now.

The RS23's development programme will continue until the very end of the season. Several steps are planned between now and the last race. "They are already planned, and certain of them are imminent," concludes Denis. "The 2004 project is having no negative impact on this season's engine."

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