New test tech to aid Renault engine development
Renault will have a new engine test bench to use from next month which should provide the Formula 1 manufacturer better reliability validation and be compatible with more powerful engines.

The company has lagged behind Mercedes and Ferrari in F1's V6 turbo-hybrid era but has been investing in a new test bench at its Viry-Chatillon facility in France, and building it over the last 18 months as it bids to catch up in terms of power and reliability.
Renault's new bench, which will be usable from February, will allow it to identify problems it would otherwise have only discovered when it is run on track in the real.
It can be adapted to test full powertrains with naturally-aspirated, turbocharged or electric engines, and is big enough to host a Formula E car.
"The idea is to make another step forward in terms of validation, with as many components that will eventually run on track as possible, shortly before the car itself actually runs", Renault's head of testing equipment development Laurent de Bailleul told Motorsport.com.
"This final stage of validation allows for better preparation before the first test. That's the real potential.
"With as many elements as possible, it's more representative. It's another step compared to how we already start the engine at the factory to make sure the car can actually start and run some laps."
"At the moment, we only find out about 'engine and chassis' issues when we're on track.
"Now, we'll see these issues a few weeks earlier, in Viry-Chatillon, so we'll be better prepared for the first test sessions, where we're supposed to be able to run and get mileage rather than encounter problems.
"[These] are sometimes very basic but can take time to be sorted on track and deprive us of running time, while test hours are limited daily and test days are limited yearly."
Renault is preparing to expand its 19,000-square metre Viry-Chatillon facility, which has been used to design F1 engines since the company first joined F1 in the late-1970s, by around 4,000-square metres.
That extension is where the engine assembly department, among other things, will be moved to.
The test bench also forms part of Renault's bigger picture, as it will also have the capacity to handle engines with greater power – should F1 pursue that with its 2021 rules overhaul.
De Bailleul said: "We're anticipating the equipment's obsolescence, as a test bench's average lifespan is about ten years, and this particular test bench was reaching the end. It was a good opportunity to launch this project.
"We also wanted to anticipate the regulation change in 2021. This bench will be more powerful and will allow us to test more powerful engines, in tune with the potential new rules for 2021 – I'm saying potential, as they're not confirmed yet."

Previous article
Mazepin gets private Mercedes F1 test programme
Next article
Leclerc could make Vettel face "tough decision" on future

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Teams | Renault F1 Team |
Author | Benjamin Vinel |
New test tech to aid Renault engine development
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…
Why Haas is willing to sacrifice its 2021 F1 season
Every Formula 1 team is facing the same difficult decision this season: how do you split precious aero development time between the current car and the all-new 2022 project?