The Renault R25 is the Formula One car entered by Renault in the 2005 season, driven by Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella. It won both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, the first titles for a car racing under a French licence since the Matra MS80 in 1969.
Renault R25 at a glance
| Team | Renault, 2005 Formula One season |
|---|---|
| Drivers | Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella |
| Chassis design | Bob Bell, James Allison, Tim Densham, Dino Toso |
| Engineering director | Pat Symonds |
| Engine design | Bernard Dudot |
| Titles | Drivers’ and Constructors’, 2005 |
| Engine | V10, the last to win a world title |
| Tyres | Michelin |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault R25.
History of the Renault R25
The design team
The chassis was designed by Bob Bell, James Allison, Tim Densham and Dino Toso, with Pat Symonds overseeing design and production as executive director of engineering and Bernard Dudot leading engine design.
A season of consistency
During the season the R25 was often slower than the McLaren MP4-20, with the win tally finishing 8–10 against McLaren, but reliability and consistency prevailed. Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella took the car to the last victories and titles for a V10-powered Formula One car, marking the end of an era.
Records and context
The titles were the first for a car racing with a French licence since the Matra MS80 of 1969, the first Renault-powered double since the Williams FW19 in 1997, and the first Constructors’ Championship for an Enstone-based car since the Benetton B195 in 1995. The car also gave Michelin its first of only two titles since returning to Formula One, the second following with Renault’s R26 in 2006.
Design and features
- Championship double: both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles in 2005.
- Last V10 champion: the final V10 car to win a world championship.
- Consistency over speed: 8 wins to McLaren’s 10, but better reliability.
- Enstone success: the first constructors’ title for the team’s base since Benetton in 1995.
Renault R25 versions
- R25 (2005): the championship-winning car of the season.
The R25 followed the Renault R24 and preceded the Renault R26 of 2006. Renault’s full Formula One history is on the Renault in Formula One page; more cars are in the Renault collection.
Video: Renault R25 V10 onboard sound, 2005
Video by Sie Entertainment on YouTube.
Sources
- Renault R25, English Wikipedia: design team, season, titles, records
