By opting to supply three teams (Red Bull Racing Renault, Lotus Renault GP and Team Lotus) in 2011, representing 25 per cent of the field, Renault went back to its core activity as an engine supplier. In 2012, Renault is gearing up for the challenges ahead by powering 4 teams, amounting to one third of the grid.

Renault’s renewed commitment to F1 underlines how important Grand Prix racing is to the brand. As well as being a formidable springboard to
promote its image across the globe, motor racing’s highest tier doubles up as a test laboratory for new technology – a factor that will become ever more relevant in the years ahead, when new engine regulations are implemented.

From 2014, new F1 regulation will spur the development of more environment-friendly powertrains that can be directly applied to mass production vehicles. Such developments include the use of electric and fuel-efficient technologies.

Renault Sport F1 is the department that has been set up to oversee
this programme. The main thrust of its work will take place at Viry-
Châtillon, traditionally the technical hub of Renault’s F1 activities where engines have been developed, built and tested for more 35 years. In 2012, all four partner teams will receive an identical engine, the RS27 - 2012.

Renault Sport F1 also had to adapt its engine to the new exhaust regulations (which state that the exhausts must be rear facing with no additional 'exhaust blowing' as seen in 2011), allowing for a greater engine power output (in the region of 10 – 20bhp more than 2011).

Each team also has its own group of seven (six for Williams F1 Team) engine specialists and technicians who are assigned for the season’s duration. Furthermore, the eight Renault-powered drivers have a dedicated engine engineer.

Red Bull Racing: the 2011 world champions are using Renault engines for the sixth season running (and for a further five years). During the Renault Sport F1 and Red Bull Racing Technology partnership extension, the two will work jointly to produce an engine that can be easily integrated into the new chassis. Sebastian Vettel (world title holder) and Mark Webber will deliver again this season thanks to the new RB8.

Lotus F1 Team: Renault is supplying engines and technological support to the team that previously competed under the name Renault F1 Team and Lotus Renault GP in 2011, with whom it won two world championships in 2005 and 2006. The black and gold E20 will be driven by Kimi Räikkönen and Romain Grosjean.

Caterham F1 Team: ex-Team Lotus and Renault Sport F1 extend their engine deal until the end of 2013. The Team has a sound technological base with the Renault engine and Red Bull Technology transmission, as well as a KERS system provided by Renault Sport F1 and Red Bull Technology. Experienced drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Vitaly Petrov hold the destiny of the new CT01 in their hands.

Williams F1 Team: new partner this year, the original Anglo-French alliance enjoyed a hugely successful association between 1989 and 1997, yielding four Drivers’ and five Constructors’ titles and 63 race wins. The FW34 will be driven by Pastor Maldonado and Bruno Senna.