Bernard Dudot

Bernard Dudot
Born	(1939-01-30) January 30, 1939 France
Occupation	Engineer
Years active	1967–2005 (at least)
Known for	Development of turbocharged V6 and naturally aspirated V10 engines for Formula One

Bernard Dudot () (born 30 January 1939) is a French engineer who played a crucial role in the creation of turbocharged V6 and naturally aspirated V10 engines for Formula One, working with Alpine and Renault. As of 2005, he holds the position of Head of Engineering for the GP2 Series and has maintained a comparable role in the GP3 Series since it began. Additionally, Dudot provides consultancy services to the Le Mans organization.

Alpine and Renault period

In 1967, Dudot joined Automobiles Alpine after convincing Jean Rédélé to form an internal engine development division, aiming to lessen dependence on external firms such as Gordini, Mignotet, and Moteur Moderne. He initiated work on a turbocharged engine that would become the foundation for Renault's Formula One turbo units. By 1971, he had tuned a Renault 16 powerplant for a Formula 3 chassis designed by André de Cortanze.

Prior to Alpine’s merger with Renault-Gordini in 1973, Jean Terramorsi dispatched Dudot to the United States to assess the potential of turbo technology in motorsport. Convinced by its prospects, Dudot returned to Renault Sport’s Viry-Châtillon workshop where he collaborated with François Castaing and Jean-Pierre Boudy to convert the CH1 two-litre engine into a compact turbocharged variant.

By early 1975, with Castaing moving into management and Boudy changing roles, Dudot assumed leadership of an engine project for Le Mans while covertly designing a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit for Formula One competition. The innovative EF1 engine powered the Renault RS01, which made its debut at the 1977 British Grand Prix.

Following Castaing’s departure from Renault Sport in 1980, Dudot was promoted to Technical Director. He spearheaded development of the EF15B engine in 1986, which introduced pneumatic valve return technology—marking a significant advancement in naturally aspirated engine design. That same year, Renault discontinued its turbo program. Subsequently, Patrick Faure assigned Dudot the task of engineering a naturally aspirated power unit for the 1989 Formula One regulations. Dudot responded by creating an innovative 3.5-litre V10 engine at a time when most competitors preferred V8 or V12 configurations.

Prost Grand Prix tenure, U.S. experience and Renault return

Following Renault's withdrawal from Formula One in 1997, Dudot was appointed Technical Director at Prost Grand Prix on 1 November 1997. He remained in this capacity until June 1999 when Alan Jenkins succeeded him. In 2001, Dudot took on the role of Project Manager for Nissan’s Infiniti engine program within the Indy Racing League. After working with Menard, he rejoined Renault on 26 February 2003 as Deputy Managing Director responsible for the engine department of the Renault F1 Team at Viry-Châtillon. He vacated this position on 1 April 2005, with duties handed over to Rob White and André Lainé.