Formula 1
New Renault to debut next week
Bob Bell, the Renault F1 Team's Chassis Technical Director, talks about progress with the R26, ahead of its debut on track next week. Q: Bob, can you give us an update on progress with the R26? Bob Bell: The team has done a fantastic job so far.
Published: Jan 6, 2006, 5:18 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Bob Bell, the Renault F1 Team's Chassis Technical Director, talks about progress with the R26, ahead of its debut on track next week.
Q: Bob, can you give us an update on progress with the R26?
Bob Bell: The team has done a fantastic job so far. The programme for the R26 was very tight, and that put pressure on everybody to rise to the challenge of producing the car on time. However, the car build went smoothly, and we began static testing of the first chassis here at Enstone before Christmas. We are on time, and that does great credit to the whole team.
Q: What can you learn from static testing?
BB: The chassis testing rig allows us to confirm the basic structural characteristics of the car, as well as providing an initial understanding of its dynamic responses. The car has met our criteria, and we have seen the improvements we hoped for.
Q: Before Christmas, the team tested with a restricted V10 engine in the R25 chassis, rather than running a hybrid car. What did you learn?
BB: When it comes to winter testing, there is no single, right answer -- only a correct solution for each different set of circumstances, which vary for every team. Running with a restricted V10 until the New Year, and then bringing out the definitive package very early, was the best option for Renault. Our testing went very well, we ran reliably and learned a lot, particularly about the differences in chassis set-up for 2006.
Q: How is the atmosphere within the team at the moment?
BB: We are all excited about starting work with the new car. Our figures from the wind tunnel are good, the engine has given strong results in terms of performance and reliability over Christmas, so we now want to start learning about the R26 on the track. The focus has been on getting the car out early to maximise our mileage ahead of the opening race, and ensure it is fully reliable for Bahrain. We have a busy two months ahead, but it is a challenge we relish.
-renault-
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Work never stops for Renault
Next article 2006 is go for Doornbos
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Renault F1 Team
Does Daniel Ricciardo regret leaving Red Bull for Renault?
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Does Daniel Ricciardo regret leaving Red Bull for Renault?
On this day: Fernando Alonso wins the world title, Michael Schumacher retires from F1
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brazilian GP
On this day: Fernando Alonso wins the world title, Michael Schumacher retires from F1
You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica
Formula 1
You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica
Latest news
William Byron and Rudy Fugle really needed this one
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Martinsville II
2 h
William Byron and Rudy Fugle really needed this one
It's all over but the dog and pony show as Kyle Larson nears third Cup
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Martinsville II
2 h
It's all over but the dog and pony show as Kyle Larson nears third Cup
Penalty drops Oscar Piastri out of F1 Mexico GP points
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
2 h
Penalty drops Oscar Piastri out of F1 Mexico GP points
Alpine drivers penalised post-race, Ryo Hirakawa scores on F1 debut at Mexico GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
2 h
Alpine drivers penalised post-race, Ryo Hirakawa scores on F1 debut at Mexico GP
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe