16 December: The
Week at Renault F1: December 16, 2005
Fernando takes the wheel again today in Jerez, while the team concentrates on building R26 in Enstone…
R26: on time and on target Behind the closed doors of the Enstone Technical Centre, work continues apace on the R26 destined
to defend the Renault F1 Team's world championship hopes in 2006. "We are on schedule with the project" explains Technical Director Bob Bell. "As always, the programme for producing the new car is very tight because we look to maximise our design time before production begins, and then
running time once it is complete." While the test team has been pounding the track with the R25 in order to understand the demands of the 2006 regulations in terms of set-up and tyre development, technicians at Enstone and Viry have been pushing ahead with production of, and the first
developments for, the new package. Everything should come together early next week, when the R26 will be fired up for the first time, prior to making its track debut on 10 January, 2006 in Jerez.
Michelin announces F1 departure Wednesday saw Renault F1 Team Technical
Partner Michelin announce that they would cease participation in Formula 1 at the conclusion of the 2006 season. What was the impact for the Renault F1 Team? "We learn of Michelin's departure with regret," read a team statement, "but we respect their decision. Our technical collaboration
in Formula 1 dates back to 1977, and culminated with double championship victory in 2005. But we enter the new season as world champions, and we are determined to do justice to that status." Indeed, what of the 2006 season? Does Michelin's planned departure at year's end leave the Renault
F1 Team with performance worries for the coming year? "Not at all," explains Bob Bell. "We go into 2006 as world champions, and we are determined to defend those titles. I have no doubt that Michelin intend to do exactly the same. We have already seen enhanced collaboration between the
Michelin teams this winter, and a rapid rate of tyre development. We are confident this will continue until the final round of 2006."
The World Champion returns Fernando Alonso will return to the track for the first time since winning the Chinese Grand Prix, on Friday 16
December in Jerez. Check out the test report
Season's Greetings! This edition of ‘The Week' will be the last until the 2006 season, and so it's time for some season's greetings! 2005 has been an incredible year for all involved at the Renault F1
Team: winning two world championships was not just about technical excellence, it was a human adventure that expressed the passion, dedication and talent of more than 800 men and women in Enstone, Viry and within Renault. We hope that we managed to bring it alive for you, the media, to
enable your readers, viewers and listeners to appreciate a truly memorable Formula 1 season. As that year draws to a close, and before 2006 is upon us, it only remains for us to wish everybody a safe and peaceful festive season!
