The Renault R29 is a Formula One racing car with which Renault contested the 2009 World Championship. It was launched on 19 January 2009 at the Algarve circuit in Portugal and driven by Fernando Alonso, Nelson Piquet Jr. and Romain Grosjean.
Renault R29 at a glance
| Team | Renault, 2009 Formula One season |
|---|---|
| Drivers | Fernando Alonso, Nelson Piquet Jr., Romain Grosjean |
| Chassis design | Bob Bell, James Allison, Tim Densham, Dirk de Beer |
| Engineering director | Pat Symonds |
| Engine design | Rob White |
| Launch | 19 January 2009, Algarve circuit |
| Testing | Portimão, 19–22 January 2009 |
| Points | 26, all scored by Alonso |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault R29.
History of the Renault R29
Launch and testing
The R29 was launched on 19 January 2009 at the Algarve circuit in Portugal. Initial testing was conducted at Portimão alongside Williams, McLaren, Toyota and Toro Rosso from 19 to 22 January, with Nelson Piquet Jr. scheduled for the first two days and Fernando Alonso for the final two.
The season
Coming off a resurgent second half of the previous year, the team expected to fight for both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. Instead the car proved disappointing: Fernando Alonso scored all of the team’s 26 points, and in the hands of either of his team mates the car was often towards the back of the field. The season ended with Piquet replaced by Romain Grosjean.
Design and features
- Algarve launch: presented at the Portuguese circuit in January 2009.
- Three drivers: Alonso, Piquet Jr. and later Grosjean.
- All points from one driver: Alonso took the team’s full 26 points.
- Disappointing pace: the car ran near the back with the second driver.
Renault R29 versions
- R29 (2009): the single version raced during the season.
The R29 followed the Renault R28 and was replaced by the Renault R30. More cars are in the Renault collection.
Video: Jan Charouz shakedown of the Renault R29
Video by SPORT5TV on YouTube.
Sources
- Renault R29, English Wikipedia: launch, testing, drivers, season
