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The 2005 Technical Review (part I)

The self-imposed testing restrictions did not seem to slow down development for most of the teams, much like the lack of testing restraint appeared to help Ferrari very little in regaining their competitiveness. Where did the designers and engineers got it right, and when did they get it wrong? In the first part of his 2005 technical review, Craig Scarborough the teams and their car

Craig Scarborough Oct 26, 2005, 12:45 PM

Renault

Now in their second year with Bob Bell (chassis) and Rob White (engine) as technical heads, this is also the second year of the 72-degree engine. This second generation engine has had the development time its predecessor lacked, and as a result its weight and power output were on a par with the opposition. The former benefit has had clear advantages for the team, as the 2004 engine was by the team's own admission overweight as a result of its truncated development cycle.

With less weight being taken up by the engine, and a weight loss programme around the car, the R25's weight distribution was more akin to its rivals. At the rear the team used a six speed gearbox; this has often been cited as a mark of the engine's drivability, but also the weight and complexity benefits of one less ratio were a factor for Renault, perhaps still mindful that the engine isn't where it needs to be weight wise.