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Tech gallery: How the Renault RS17 evolved throughout 2017

A selection of the best technical images of Renault’s 2017 challenger, the RS17, courtesy of Giorgio Piola, Sutton Images and LAT images.

Renault's original rear wing design courted controversy straight out of the box, as its mounting pillar, attached to the DRS actuator pod, rather than the mainplane was deemed illegal.

During testing the team ran with an over-sized rear wing upper flap.

The team's sidepod airflow conditioners, later dubbed ‘Le Aerocat’ by the team owing to their feline appearance, is seen here.

The front of the RS17’s chassis and suspension exposed.

A close-up of the rear wing mounting pillar which intersects the exhaust.

The RS17’s bargeboards with their two slots in the footplate.

The wider bargeboard footplates now feature four curved louvre-like slots in them.

Renault running a triple element T-wing. Also note the piece of metal used to bridge the gap between the underside of the rear wing support pillar and the mainplane, ensuring it adheres to the regulations.

Two of the front wing options available to Renault, both with different flap tip options.

Changes made to the bargeboards footplate, include the shape and number of the louvres (arrowed).

New turning vanes were introduced with a double leading edge that change the flow around this portion of the car.

Detail of the front brake drum shows that the crossover section not only draws air across the face of the drum but also allows hot air from the brake disc to cross through it.

The RS17 with the engine cover off shows the ductwork running from the airbox to ancillary power unit components.

A look at the bargeboards that became ever more complex throughout the season.

The RS17 being prepared for action, with many of the covers off showing the inner workings of the car.

Detailed shot of the rear of the RS17, including the rear wing and diffuser.

A look at the rear of the steering wheel presents us with the gearshift and clutch paddle detail.

A look at the front brake duct assembly without the brake drum attached, note the blown axle which was introduced earlier in the season.

A large Gurney trim was fitted to the engine cover cooling outlet in order to aid in pulling airflow through the car.

Close-up of the bargeboards footplate showing the curved louvres added during the season.

Detailed shot of the RS17’s rear end, including the diffuser amendments that continued late into the season.

Close-up of the rear brake duct winglets and outer portion of the diffuser, which was still being modified toward the end of the season.

During practice the team mounted this row of pitot tubes alongside the airbox spar to measure aerodynamic disturbance.

A kiel probe array was mounted behind the front wing in Abu Dhabi to collect data during practice.

The team ran with kiel probe arrays mounted behind the front wheels and three quarters of the way along the sidepod in order to gather data. Note a rearward facing camera/sensor is also mounted in between the front wing pillars.

The RS17 outfitted with some adapted wheel hub sensors to establish the loads present with the 2018 Pirelli tyres. Having used these sensors in previous years, they have plenty of historical data to reference them against.