Andre Laine, who switched between the two sectors, explained: "A few years ago, Renault decided to measure non-compliance rates for mass production parts, and then set an objective to reduce this rate. Gradually, the figure became one hundred times lower, and then a thousand times lower! Today, F1 uses an identical approach. In the past Viry used mostly local suppliers, but today the situation has changed radically. In recent years we have become open to Europe and to the world, because we need the top specialists."

Assembling the product involves both industrialization and craftsmanship. The process of assembling the product is different between mass production and F1. While manufacturing a Clio must comply with strict industrial and logistical imperatives, creating seven or eight single-seater racecars per year is more a matter of craftsmanship. "A race engine involves 5,000 perfectly adjusted parts", confirmed Denis Chevrier.

"We can't afford to make mistakes. This is why we employ very strict methods, particularly the use of exhaustive checklists."

"When we put our cars out on the track, quality is our ability to repeat operations: can we be sure that the changes will be made quickly and without error? From set-up to pit stops, training is crucial - we rehearse every possible race scenario so that we're well prepared, no matter what situation may arise. We are the "customers" of the design office, and we need a car that not only performs well on the track, but is also designed to allow rapid intervention. We are in permanent contact with the designers, suggesting improvements that will affect both the ergonomics and the vehicle's reliability. Quality is not just doing a good job on the track - even though that is our priority. We also need to build on our knowledge and use our experience to make sure that the next car is even better." - Gavin Hudson, Race Team Chief Mechanic, Enstone

Electromagnetic, noise and pollution tests are all part of the certification process for mass-produced vehicles. Measurements of aerodynamics and fuel economy are however of interest in F1 and mass production alike. In both cases, achieving the desired result right from the start keeps down costs and leadtimes - thus increasing quality.

F1 and mass production products undergo rigorous testing before getting the go-ahead for production. These include the "extreme heat" tests in the summer in Spain (+45 degrees C) and the "extreme cold" tests in the winter in Lapland (-30 degrees C). After winter testing, the F1 racecar is exposed to extreme heat, as herein Bahrain (+40 degrees C).

For Renault, the main issue in the area of mass production vehicles is increasing efficiency from one model to the next. Tolerance margins are put in place, as are monitoring and compliance convergence plans. Year after year, these margins are reduced. Checks are carried out at every stage of the production process: if the tolerance margin is too great, the passage to the next stage is halted. "The goal is to eliminate any weak links in the production chain", confirmed Patrick Janot, Quality Manager for the Clio range. To make sure of this, before vehicles are mass produced they undergo a pre-mass production process, which allows Renault to test both its methodology and the final vehicle quality at full scale. This is the stage where any remaining problems are corrected. When all systems are go, manufacturing approval is granted.

In some cases, however, the roles are reversed:

Mass production craftsmanship: The Technocentre at Guyancourt has a department that specializes in the design and creation of concept cars. Its workshops produce several hundred one-off products each year.

F1 mass production: the Enstone wind tunnel is based on an industrial concept. In fact, there is a direct relationship between the number of parts tested in this environment and improved performance on the track. As a result, Renault F1 has developed a method for ensuring that the process is both smooth and rapid; there is a continuous flow between the drawing, design, manufacturing and testing phases.

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