Formula Renault Explained

Formula Renault are classes of formula racing popular in Europe and elsewhere. Regarded as an entry-level series to motor racing, it was founded in 1971, and was a respected series where drivers can learn advanced racecraft before moving on to higher formulas.

Renault now backs the French F4 Championship and Formula Regional European Championship. The World Series by Renault once included Formula Renault 3.5 before becoming World Series Formula V8 3.5 in 2016, then folding in 2017.

Formula Renault 3.5L

The most senior "Formula Renault" was the Formula Renault V6 Eurocup started by Renault to run as part of Eurosport's Super Racing Weekends (ETCC and FIA GT Championship). Only two seasons were run between 2003 and 2004 before Renault left Super Racing Weekends and merged the series with the similar World Series by Nissan to create the Formula Renault 3.5 Series as part of the World Series by Renault in 2005. In 2016 the series became the World Series Formula V8 3.5, which folded in 2017.

Formula V6 Asia started in 2006 in Asia and ran at Asian Festival of Speed Weekends (Touring Car, Formula BMW and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia).

The old Eurocup and current Asian formulas use Tatuus chassis, while the World Series uses Dallara cars. Michelin is the tyre supplier.

The cars

Championships

Formula Renault 3.5L official championships
Zone/CountryLast official series nameActive yearsTyresComplementary information
EuropeWorld Series by Nissan1998–2004Replaced by Formula Renault 3.5 Series.
Formula Renault V6 Eurocup2003–2004Replaced by Formula Renault 3.5 Series.
Formula Renault 3.5 Series (part of World Series by Renault)2005-2017
AsiaFormula V6 Asia2006–2009

A Pan Am Formula Renault V6 series was planned to take place in 2005 but it never occurred.[1]

Formula Renault 2.0

Formula Renault 2.0 descended from Formula France created in 1968. Its predecessors used 1.3L (1968–1971), 1.6L (1972–1981), 1.6L turbo (1982–1988) and later 1,721 cc (1989–1994), then 2l 8V (1995–1999) engines in single-seater chassis. The series evolved in 2000 into a 2L 16V series using one-make cars from Italian manufacturer Tatuus. The series was introduced into the UK in 1989 and even after the 1721 cc cars had been replaced at the top level a club-level series for them continued in parallel with the more ambitious 2.0 series. This is seen as one of the key steps in a driver's career before Formula Three.

The most notable recent graduate of the formula is Kimi Räikkönen, who moved straight into Formula One after winning the British Formula Renault championship.

The cars

1995–1999

The Formula Renault 95 used multiple chassis, production 2.0-litre 8V 165 hp engines and Hewland five-speed manual gearboxes. Manufacturers were able to build cars around spec components such as the engine, bellhousing, gearbox, brakes, wheels and ECU. Chassis were steel space frame with fibreglass bodies. Manufacturers included Mygale, Martini, Swift, Tatuus, and Ermolli. The car was last used in 1999.

2000–2009

The Formula Renault 2000 had a Tatuus-made chassis running 2.0 L Renault Clio engines attached to a Sadev gearbox.[2] The engine originally had a maximum output of 185 hp, and was upgraded to 210 hp in 2006. They are capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 mph (160 km/h) in 4.85 seconds and braking from 125 mph (200 km/h) to a stop in 4.60 seconds.[3] The Tatuus Formula Renault car is the most successful single seater ever, with 10 years of service and nearly 1000 sold. The car has produced many current Formula One stars, with 11 of the 25 drivers in the 2009 Formula One season using the car in the infancy of their careers.

For the 2010 season, a new car developed by Barazi-Epsilon, will be used in most major championships, with the old car still being used in minor championships such as Formula Renault BARC in the UK.

Dimensions and weight

Wheel Base: 2,645 mm

Front Track: 1,434 mm

Rear Track: 1,318 mm

Minimum Weight: 490 kg without driver / 565 kg with driver

Chassis

The chassis is a carbon fiber cell designed and developed by Tatuus and Renault Sport. It also incorporates a FIA-approved roll hoop and lateral driver's head protection. This was introduced in 2000 and updated with new bodywork in 2004 and 2007. Both the chassis and engine are of an FIA-approved "impact break-away" design.

Cockpit

XAP Multi-Changeable Dashboard Display

FIA-approved Safety Features

Roll Hoop and Lateral Driver's Head Protective Padding

Deformable, double-jointed steering column

Removable steering wheel

Six-point, 3-inch driver's shoulder and lap harnesses

FT3 fuel cell

Manually operated 5 kg fire extinguisher

Engine

The engine is a sealed, 16-valve, 4-cylinder Renault Sport type F4R FRS with Orbisoud race exhaust system and catalytic converter, built and developed by Renault Sport.

Capacity: 1998 cc

Max Output: 192bhp at 6,500 rpm

Max Torque: 22mkg (159lb.ft) at 5,500 rpm

Lubrication: Dry Sump, Elf Evolution LDX 5w/40

Spark Plugs: NGK PFR6E10

ECU: Sealed Magneti-Marelli MF4L ignition system

Gearbox

Formula Renault uses a Sadev 6-speed, sequential gearbox with mechanical control featuring three specified sets of ratios using a Limited Slip Differential and Twin-Plate. The clutch is hydraulic. It also uses Elf Transmission LS.

Suspension

Front: Pushrod, controlled single damper with adjustable bump and rebound

Rear: Pushrod, controlled twin dampers with adjustable bump and rebound

Brake

The brakes are four-pot calipers, with ventilated discs and Ferodo(type DS4003) pads. They include cockpit-adjustable bias front-to-rear.

Tyres

Front: 16/53 x 13inches

Rear: 23/57 x 13inches

Manufacturer: Michelin control

Exceptions

Asia: Kumho (since 2002)

Brazil: Pirelli (2002–2006)

North America: Yokohama (since 2004)

Wheels

Front: 8 inches x 13inches

Rear: 10 inches x 13inches

Manufacturer: OZ

2010–today

Manufactured by Barazi-Epsilon EB01 A

Main changes to the previous models are:

Championships

Two sorts of Formula Renault 2.0 championships exist. Regular championships and Winter Series, an off-season championship held usually between November and February with few races. In 2005, all series names were replaced from Formula Renault 2000 to Formula Renault 2.0.

An Uruguyan 2.0L series is also held (José Pedro Passadores 2003 champion).[4]

Formula Renault 2.0L official championships
Europe
Zone/CountryLast official series nameActive yearsTyresComplementary informationWinter Series
AlpsItalian Formula Renault ChampionshipAlso known as: Formula Renault 2.0 Italia, Former name: Formula Renault 2000 Italia (2000–04)2001-2008
Formula Renault 2.0 Middle European Championship2002–2010Former names: Formule Renault 2.0 Suisse, Renault Speed Trophy F2000, (LO) Formula Renault 2.0 Switzerland
Formula Renault 2.0 Alps2002-2015Created by merger of Middle European and Italian championships.
Challenge Formula Renault 2.0 Italia2011-2012Replaces Formula Renault 2.0 Italia. Uses cars built between 2000 and 2009.
Formula Renault 2.0 Estonia2008Only champion: Jesse Krohn (Finland) and P1 Motorsport
EuropeChallenge Européen de Formule Renault1972–1974Replaced the Criterium de Formule Renault (1973–74)
Challenge de Formule Renault Europe1975–1977Replaced the French Formula Three Championship
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 (part of World Series by Renault)1991-2020Former names: Rencontres Internationales de Formule Renault, Formula Renault Eurocup, Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup, Formula Renault 2000 Masters.[1]
Northern EuropeFormula Renault 2.0 Germany1991–1999,
2001–2005		Merge with Formula Renault 2.0 Netherlands to create Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup. Former names: Formula Renault 2000 Germany, Formula Renault Germany.[1]
Formula Renault 2.0 Netherlands1991–1995,
2003–2005		Merge with Formula Renault 2.0 Germany to create Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup.
Former name Formula Renault 2000 Netherlands.
Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup2006-2018Replaced the German and Dutch championships. Also named Formula Renault 2.0 NEC. Organized by MdH Motorsport and Renault Sport Germany.
Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup FR20002010Secondary class to Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup.
Fórmula Júnior FR2.0 Portugal2008Only champion: Gonçalo Araújo (Portugal), Winter Series champion: James Calado (UK)2008
ScandinaviaFormula Renault 2.0 Nordic Series2002–2006Former name: Formula Renault 2000 Scandinavia.
Formula Renault 2.0 Finland2008–2010Organized by AKK-Motorsport and Renault Sport Germany.
Formula Renault 2.0 Sweden2009–2010Organized by Joakim Wiedesheim and Renault Sport Sweden.
Spanish Formula Renault Championship1991–1997Also known as: Campeonato de España de Fórmula Renault,[5] Replaced by World Series by Nissan in 1998
Formula Renault 2.0 UK1989–2011Organised by Renault Sport UK since 1990, using Michelin tyres since 1992, Also known as: Formula Renault 2.0 UK, Former names: Formula Renault Sport UK (1995–99), Formula Renault 2000 UK (2000–04).[1]1998-2011
Protyre Formula Renault1995-2014Organised by the British Automobile Racing Club. Previously known as the FR2000 class and Formula Renault BARC2007-2013
Western EuropeFrench Formula Renault Championship1971–1972,
1975–2007		Also known as: Championnat de France Formula Renault 2.0, Former names: Critérium de Formule Renault, Championnat de Formule Renault Nationale, Championnat de France Formule Renault, Championnat de France Formule Renault Turbo, Championnat de France Formule Renault, and Championnat de France Formule Renault 2000[1], Replaced by F Renault 2.0 WEC.
Formula Renault 2.0 West European Cup2008–2009[6] Replace the French championship. Also named Formula Renault 2.0 WEC.
America
Zone/CountryLast official series nameActive yearsTyresComplementary informationWinter Series
Argentine Formula Renault Championshipsince 1980Uses Tito 02 chassis
Formula Renault 2.0 Brazil2002–2006Former name: Formula Renault 2000 Brazil.
Latin AmericaMexican Formula Renault Championship2002–2004Replaced by Formula Renault 2000 de America
Formula Renault 2000 de America2005–2007Replace the Mexican Formula Renault Championship.
North AmericaNorth American Fran Am 2000 Pro Championship2002–2003Replaced by Formula TR 2000 Pro Series. Former name: North American Formula Renault 2000.2003
Formula TR 2000 Pro Series2004–2007USA, West coast only.2004
Asia
Zone/CountryLast official series nameActive yearsTyresComplementary informationWinter Series
AsiaFormula Renault AsiaCup2002–2019, 2022Reward the China Formula Renault Challenge including Chinese events only. Reward also the best Asian driver with the Asian Challenge Category.

Winners

See main article: article and List of Formula Renault 2.0 champions.

A majority of Formula Renault champions have gone onto lead successful careers in motor racing, most notably Alain Prost who won the Formula One World Championship four times in his career. Other drivers include Didier Pironi, Kimi Räikkönen, Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton all of whom have gone onto win Grands Prix.

Formula Renault 2.0L timeline

Formula Renault 1.6L

This Formula Renault series was open to drivers between 14 and 21 years that have raced before in karting series.[7]

The cars

The cars use K4M 1598cc Renault engines.

Championships

Formula Renault 1.6L official championships
Europe
Zone/CountryLast official series nameActive yearsTyresComplementary information
Formula Renault 1.6 Belgium2003–2007Former name: Formula Renault 1600 Belgium. Reguled by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium
F4 Eurocup 1.6 (part of World Series by Renault)1993-2017Former names: Championnat de France FFSA Formule Campus Renault Elf, Formul'Academy Euro Series. The series is managed by La Filière Elf since 1993, La Filière FFSA since 2001 and by the Auto Sport Academy based near the Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans since 2008.
Formula Junior 1.6 powered by Renault2002–2006Former name: Formula Junior 1600 by Renault. In 2007, it was replaced by Formula Monza 1.6 and 1.2 powered by Fiat engine.
Formula Renault 1.6 Spain2002–2004Former name: Formula Junior 1600 Spain
Western EuropeFormula Renault 1.6 NEC Junior2013–2014
Northern EuropeFormula Renault 1.6 Nordic2013–2015
Series supporting STCC. Used Dunlop tyres during 2013–2014 season, changed to Michelin for 2015 following its parent series. Will continue in 2016 without Renault support.
America
Zone/CountryLast official series nameActive yearsTyresComplementary information
Formula Renault Elf 1.6 Argentina2007-2009Replaced in 2010 by FR 2.0
Latin AmericaFormula Junior 16002005–2007
North AmericaNorth American Fran Am 1600 Pro Championship2002–2003Replaced by Formula TR 1600 Pro Series
Formula TR 1600 Pro Series2004–2007Held on west coast only.

Winners

Formula Renault 1.6L timeline

Other formulas powered by Renault

Argentina organises several Formula Renault championships different from its official 2.0L series:

In 2008, the Formula 2000 Light was created.[19] The series is held in Italy with Tatuus's Formula Renault or Formula Three chassis. The same year also saw the introduction of the LATAM Challenge Series, run in Latin America. The Austria Formel Renault Cup has been held since 2007 in Central Europe.[20] This series is held and organised with the Austria Formula 3 Cup and use the 2.0L Renault formulas. The Formule Renault 2.0 North European Zone was also introduced in 2008.

2008 was the first, and ultimately last, season of the Formula Asia 2.0. Its aim was to bring more racing to the Asian region, allowing more drivers to opportunity to race and make the step up to the next level. The series used Renault engines with constructor Tatuus and ran on Michelin provided tyres.

Winners

For GP Series winners, see GP2 Series, GP2 Asia Series and GP3 Series pages.

See also

External links

Formula Renault 3.5L

Formula Renault 2.0L

Europe
America
Asia

Formula Renault 1.6L

Europe
America

Other formulas powered by Renault

Europe
America
Asia

Notes and References

  1. http://www.theraceforum.com/index.cfm?form_topic_id=3013&form_cat_id=27 PanAm FR attracting international interest
  2. http://www.renault-sport.com/en/world_series/eurocup_2000/technique.php Technical specifications
  3. http://www.renaultsport.co.uk/championships/formularenaultuk/technical/ Technical specifications
  4. http://www.autonoticias.com.ar/noti.php?id=2840&cat=10 PASSADORE CAMPEÓN F.2000 URUGUAYA
  5. Web site: Archived copy . 2009-02-06 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090225113924/http://www.rincondelmotor.com/files/plamaresrenault07.pdf . 25 February 2009 . dmy-all .
  6. AutoHebdo n°1745 24 March 2010, page 12, Philippe Sinault (Signature), announced the 2010 Formula Renault WEC cancellation
  7. http://www.renault-sport.be/init.asp?Lang=EN Belgian 1.6 Presentation
  8. http://www.apefa.com.ar/campeones.htm FR1.6 Argentina Campeones
  9. http://www.autosportacademy.com/index.php?page=sais05&&ssPage=saisformcamp&&ssPage2=palm&&codeL=fr Formule Campus et Academy Palmares
  10. http://www.driverdb.com/ Driver database
  11. http://www.nuvolari3000.com/renmon/classifica.php FR1.6 Italia Classifica
  12. http://www.sporcar.com/07/MEX/FR2000/+Frame.asp?idSeccion=MEX&idSerial=FR2000&Pag=Anteriores.htm PanmGPSeries Anos anteriores
  13. http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=141189&FS=FRAN-AM 1600: Colin Braun takes championship
  14. http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=112104&FS=FRAN-AM 1600: Series celebrates successful first year
  15. http://www.renault-sport.be/newsdet.asp?ref=244 first woman to win a single seater
  16. http://www.frinterprovincial.com/reglamento.htm FR Interprovincial, Reglamento
  17. http://www.autonoticias.com.ar/noti.php?id=6497&cat=10 NAace la Super Formula Argentina
  18. http://www.autonoticias.com.ar/noti.php?id=6239&cat=10 En el 2005 no habra Super Renault
  19. Web site: Formula 2000 Light > Home . 2008-04-01 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080318215258/http://nuke.formula2000light.com/Default.aspx . 18 March 2008 . dmy-all . formula2000light.com
  20. http://www.austriaf3cup.com/index.php?section=media2&path=/media/archive2/2007/ Historie
  21. http://www.campfsr.com.ar/Noticias.htm Borsani campeón 2006
  22. http://www.formulas-argentinas.com.ar/noticias.php?id=149 En Mar del Plata, la alegría fue para Perabó
  23. http://www.autonoticias.com.ar/noti.php?id=2799&cat=10 F.Super Renault – Lifschitz campeon
  24. http://www.actc.org.ar/php/piloto.php?pid=00000000028 Rossi, Matías

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