Renault to run in Lyon

The Renault F1 Team is delighted to announce that on Sunday, 5 September 2004, the Renault R24 will run through the city centre of Lyon, France's second city, in the hands of Fernando Alonso and France's next F1 prospect, Franck Montagny. The live demonstration of this year's Monaco Grand Prix-winning car will form the centrepiece of a festival day celebrating Renault's motoring and motor-sport activities.

Taking F1 to the fans is one of Renault's key objectives for its involvement at the pinnacle of motorsport. Following on from events last year on the roads of Madrid and Moscow and at this year's official launch in Palermo, Sicily, the streets of a major European city will once again ring to the sound of a thoroughbred V10 engine as 150,000 fans witness the explosive power of Formula 1 up close and personal.

"The City of Lyon enthusiastically welcomed and developed the idea to demonstrate our Formula 1 car along the banks of the Rhône. For Renault, it is powerfully symbolic to fly the Renault F1 Team colours in Lyon, at the heart of France" explained Renault F1 Team President Patrick Faure. "Lyon is a city with strong sporting links, and is also the cradle of Renault's heavy goods vehicle sector in France. We are all delighted to be able to offer this treat to our fans."

Lyon has a long motorsport tradition, and has held the French Grand Prix three times - indeed, 2004 marks the ninetieth anniversary of the first Grand Prix held in the city, in 1914. In September, the Renault R24 will complete its demonstration on a one mile course along the banks of the Rhône, beginning from the Place Bellecour in the town centre.

"Following Moscow and Madrid, and ahead of other world capitale, the City of Lyon is thrilled to welcome Renault's Formula 1 show," commented the Senator-Mayor of Lyon, Gérard Collomb. "Formula 1 brings together high technology, safety research and a sport followed around the globe. I have no doubt at all that this show will delight tens of thousands of spectators, and is in perfect harmony with the dynamic, high-performance image of the Lyon area that we wish to reinforce."

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