'Long-life' Renault F1 V10 at advanced stage

Renault F1 has bench-tested its 2004 'long-life' RS24A V10 engine at its plant at Viry-Châtillon, France, following its decision to cancel its wide-angle (106deg) V10 programme. "Reliability will be our number one priority for next season," said engine project director Léon Taillieu. The French manufacturer plans to test the engine with a new gearbox for the first time on a dynamometer within the next six weeks

Oct 20, 2003, 7:05 AM

"We began working in March 2003, and the project specification focuses not only on the vital 700km reliability target, but also packaging, weight and power," Taillieu continued. "The latter should come quite quickly."

Enstone based Renault F1 chassis designer Mark Smith commented on the shift in the Anglo-French team's philosophy: "The decision was taken well before the outside world knew about it. We've been able to work closely with out colleagues in France from the very beginning of the project, and we won't suffer at all in terms of packaging or stiffness. We've had enough time to give the car characteristics that are at least as good as the 2003 car in these areas."