The Renault R26 is a Formula One racing car used by the Renault F1 team in the 2006 season, driven by Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella. It was the first V8-powered Enstone-based Formula One car since the Benetton B194 of 1994.
Renault R26 at a glance
| Team | Renault, 2006 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 | Rob White |
| Engine | V8, the first at Enstone since 1994 |
| Wins | 8 of 18 races |
| Titles | Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault R26.
History of the Renault R26
The car
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 Rob White leading engine design. It was the first V8-powered Enstone-based Formula One car since the Benetton B194 in 1994.
The season
Over the season the R26 scored eight wins from eighteen races, followed closely by the Ferrari 248 F1. It helped Renault take the Constructors’ Championship by five points over Ferrari and carried Fernando Alonso to his second successive Drivers’ Championship, thirteen points ahead of Michael Schumacher. It also brought Michelin the last Constructors’ Championship in its recent history.
Reliability
Like the Ferrari 248 F1, the R26 was notable for rock-solid reliability: chassis R26-03, driven by Alonso, started every race of the 2006 season without needing to be replaced.
Design and features
- V8 engine: the first V8 at Enstone since the Benetton B194.
- Eight wins: from eighteen races in a close fight with Ferrari.
- Both titles: constructors by five points, drivers by thirteen.
- Reliability: one chassis started every race of the season.
Renault R26 versions
- R26 (2006): the championship-winning car.
The R26 followed the Renault R25 and was replaced by the Renault R27. More cars are in the Renault collection.
Video: Fernando Alonso onboard the Renault R26 at Monza
Video by Formula1Lomejor on YouTube.
Sources
- Renault R26, English Wikipedia: design team, season results, reliability
