The principal F1 programmes at the Technocentre

1 Aerodynamic calculation: this is an area that was created at the very beginning of the partnership between the Technocentre and the Renault F1 Team. It acts as a complement to wind tunnel work in order to explain very specific phenomena.

2 Optimization of combustion: this involves the calculation of internal engine aerodynamics. Combustion quality is the source of the power of the V8.

3 Command patterns for chassis systems: this work essentially focuses on optimizing vehicle function when it is in "degraded mode", i.e. when the vehicle is not operating at 100%.

4 Vibration management: this is an area in which the Technocentre has done a great deal of work recently. It covers the reliability of parts surrounding the engine as well as driving comfort.

5 Improving quality and reliability: Guyancourt is particularly involved in implementing methodologies for improving singleseater reliability. These processes are derived from tuning techniques for mass production cars, but they have been adapted to the specificities of the F1.

6 Computer data management: here the goal is to give the Enstone and Viry plants quick access to track data.

7 Network implementation: Technocentre staff are helping the Renault F1 Team build the best internal IT network for each track, so that information can be shared across every computer in the team. The infrastructure often varies widely from onetrack to another.

8 Development of internal servers: this area is focused on the development of the Enstone Intranet portal.

9 Software quality: software used at the track, especially telemetry applications, must be free of bugs. Guyancourt helps to perfect the programming.

10 Engine optimization: the mathematical tools used by Renault Research are adapted to the V8 in order to monitor performance.

11 Materials: the expertise of the Materials Department is always in demand. Its contribution has helped to put together an extensive database.

12 Engine reliability: two people are studying the V8 in operation, in order to solve possible problems, or to evaluate how much longer a given part will last. The goal? To avoid any over- or underdimensioning.


For the Renault F1 Team, confirms that the support of the Technocentre is a real plus in the race for the world title. "The relationship is very useful in two respects", he explained. "First, it helps us solve certain very specific technical problems. It also gives us access to highly qualified personnel without having to recruit a full-time employee." For Enstone, the most important thing is not just receiving. For Bob Bell, giving something in return is important. "I think that, at the end of their mission, Technocentre staff members leave Enstone with a more in-depth experience of engineering. I am convinced that our methodology, cycles and deadlines are of use back in Guyancourt. It's a win-win situation." - Bob Bell, Technical Director, Chassis


F1 and New Clio Renault Sport: a high-tech puzzle

Like New Clio Renault Sport, a Renault F1 racecar is made up of thousands of parts, and every one contributes to quality excellence.

Each part on a Renault F1 racecar is unique and valuable. The quality of a single-seater depends on the definition and the quality of each one of these parts. Perfection is in the details. This is where craftsmanship is just as important as industrialization.

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