New Renault fails FIA crash tests
The launch of Renault's new R29 will go ahead as planned later this month despite the team failing mandatory crash tests with their new car, autosport.com has learned
The French car manufacturer are due to unveil their 2009 challenger at the Portimao track in Portugal on January 19, ahead of extensive testing with the new car.
However, sources have revealed to autosport.com that preparations with the machine have not gone perfectly with the team failing two of the three crash tests that are mandatory by the FIA.
It is understood the car failed the nose test and the side impact test - and there are suggestions that one of the team's new chassis was actually written off in one of the failed tests.
A team spokeswoman confirmed that the tests had been failed, but insisted that engineers know what went wrong and the issues have been solved - meaning the car should get the green light when it is re-tested.
"It is something not at all unusual," said the spokeswoman. "However, we have identified the problem and solved it. The car will be testing in Algarve on January 19."
The failing of crash tests for teams is not too rare as they push the limits of how much weight to save in their chassis construction.
It is believed that Renault have been forced to press the margins of their car to the edge this year as a result of the extra weight that comes from their new Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).
Renault have shown in the past, however, that crash test problems do not necessarily impact on their ultimate performance during the season. In 2005 they failed a side impact test at their first attempt but still went on to win the world championship.
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
RB brands Ricciardo/Tsunoda Chinese GP crashes “unnecessary”
Wolff: Mercedes can't just keep living off F1 ‘bright spots’
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
What could have been: When Villeneuve’s shock return thwarted an F1 rookie
Friday favourite: Renault's original F1 title-winner that began the Alonso era
Why Renault's survivor wasn't part of Alpine's plans
Erik Jones sidelined with compression fracture after Talladega crash
Alpine confident for 'good news' in Habsburg injury recovery
Ferrari "made too many mistakes" for podium fight at F1 Chinese GP
What is a wildcard in MotoGP and why is it used?
Did F1's new sprint format work?
Chinese Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2024
Why Verstappen's China F1 win was a sideshow to the real battle
How the pursuit of marginal F1 gains caused Sauber's pitstop stumbles
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments