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Formula Renault

From Alfawiki
Formula Renault
Company typeMotorsport category
IndustryAuto racing
Founded1971
FounderRenault
Area served
Europe, Asia, Americas
ProductsFormula racing championships and cars

Formula Renault encompasses a collection of formula racing categories widely recognized across Europe and internationally, designed as an introductory stage for drivers aiming to ascend to elite levels of motorsport. Since its inception in 1971, it has played a crucial role in honing advanced driving skills.

Currently, Renault backs the French F4 Championship and the Formula Regional European Championship. The former World Series by Renault featured the Formula Renault 3.5 division until it evolved into the World Series Formula V8 3.5 in 2016, which ultimately discontinued in 2017.

Formula Renault 3.5L

The flagship "Formula Renault" competition originated from the Formula Renault V6 Eurocup, initiated by Renault as part of Eurosport’s Super Racing Weekends alongside the European Touring Car Championship and FIA GT Championship. After operating for two seasons (2003–2004), this series merged with the World Series by Nissan to form the Formula Renault 3.5 Series under the umbrella of the World Series by Renault in 2005. This championship was rebranded as the World Series Formula V8 3.5 in 2016 before ceasing operations in 2017.

Formula V6 Asia was launched in 2006, running events during the Asian Festival of Speed alongside championships such as the Asian Touring Car Championship and Formula BMW Asia.

The Eurocup and Asian circuits utilize chassis manufactured by Tatuus, whereas the World Series employed vehicles built by Dallara, with Michelin serving as the exclusive tyre provider.

Vehicle specifications

  • Power unit: Renault Nissan V6 engine (3498 cc, producing between 425 and 500 hp); from 2012 onwards, Zytek ZRS03 V8 (3396 cc, delivering 530 hp)
  • Chassis: Tatuus for Eurocup/Asia; Dallara models T02/T05/T08/T12 for World Series; constructed with carbon-fibre monocoque
  • Size: Maximum width of 1850 mm; wheelbase ranging from 3000 to 3125 mm; front track at 1579 mm, rear track at 1536 mm
  • Weight: Approximately 616 kg; Fuel tank capacity: 110 litres
  • Suspension: Torsion bar setup with push-rod twin struts on both front and rear
  • Gearbox: Six-speed sequential transmission
  • Wheels: Single-piece magnesium wheels secured with a central nut; dimensions front 10x13 inches, rear 13x13 inches
  • Tyres: Michelin compounds available for dry and wet conditions

Championship overview

Region/Country Most recent official series title Years active Tyre supplier Additional notes
Template:Country data EURTemplate:Namespace detect showall Europe World Series by Nissan 1998–2004 Template:Michelin Succeeded by Formula Renault 3.5 Series
Formula Renault V6 Eurocup 2003–2004 Template:Michelin Supplanted by Formula Renault 3.5 Series
Formula Renault 3.5 Series (World Series by Renault) 2005–2017 Template:Michelin
Template:Country data CHNTemplate:Namespace detect showallTemplate:Country data MYSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Asia Formula V6 Asia 2006–2009 Template:Michelin

A proposed Pan American Formula Renault V6 championship scheduled for 2005 never came to fruition.

Formula Renault 2.0

Emerging from Formula France (established in 1968), Formula Renault 2.0 progressed through engine configurations starting at 1.3L and advancing to a 2L eight-valve format by 1999. The year 2000 marked its transition to a two-litre sixteen-valve category featuring standardized vehicles produced by Italian firm Tatuus. First introduced in the United Kingdom in 1989, it continues to serve as an essential developmental stage for drivers before advancing to Formula Three.

A prominent example is Kimi Räikkönen, who moved directly into Formula One racing after securing victory in the British Formula Renault championship.

1995–1999

During the 1995 to 1999 period, Formula Renault 95 utilized various chassis paired with production-based 2.0-litre 8-valve engines delivering 165 hp, combined with Hewland five-speed manual transmissions. The vehicles were constructed around standardized components such as engines, gearboxes, brakes, wheels, and ECUs, featuring steel space frame chassis and fiberglass bodywork. Prominent constructors included Mygale, Martini, Swift, Tatuus, and Ermolli. This model was discontinued after the 1999 season.

2000–2009

The Formula Renault 2000 model incorporated a Tatuus chassis equipped with 2.0 L Renault Clio engines and Sadev gearboxes. Initially producing 185 hp, the engine's output was enhanced to 210 hp by 2006. Performance figures include acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.85 seconds and deceleration from 200 km/h to a complete stop in 4.60 seconds. This Tatuus variant became the most prolific single-seater ever produced, with close to 1,000 units sold over a decade and serving as the starting point for numerous current Formula One competitors—11 of the 25 drivers in the 2009 Formula One season began their careers driving this car.

In 2010, a new vehicle developed by Barazi-Epsilon succeeded it in leading championships, while the older model continued to be used in smaller competitions such as Formula Renault BARC (UK).

Dimensions and weight
Wheelbase: 2,645 mm
Front track width: 1,434 mm
Rear track width: 1,318 mm
Minimum weight: 490 kg (excluding driver) / 565 kg (including driver)
Chassis

The carbon fiber chassis was a joint design by Tatuus and Renault Sport, incorporating an FIA-certified roll hoop and lateral head protection introduced in 2000 and subsequently updated with new bodywork in both 2004 and 2007. Both chassis and engine comply with FIA-approved "impact break-away" safety standards.

Cockpit
XAP Multi-Changeable Dashboard Display
FIA-certified Safety Equipment
Roll Hoop with Lateral Head Protection Padding for Driver
Deformable steering column featuring double joints
Detachable steering wheel
Six-point harness with three-inch shoulder and lap belts
FT3-specification fuel cell
Manually triggered fire extinguisher weighing 5 kg
Engine

The sealed Renault Sport type F4R FRS engine is a 16-valve inline four-cylinder power unit developed by Renault Sport, fitted with an Orbisoud race exhaust system and catalytic converter.

Displacement: 1998 cc
Maximum power output: at 6,500 rpm
Peak torque: 22 mkg (159 lb.ft) at 5,500 rpm
Lubrication system: Dry sump using Elf Evolution LDX 5w/40 oil
Spark plugs: NGK PFR6E10
ECU: Sealed ignition system by Magneti-Marelli, model MF4L
Gearbox

The transmission consists of a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox operated mechanically, offering three preset gear ratio sets and equipped with a Limited Slip Differential coupled with a twin-plate clutch. The clutch operates hydraulically using Elf Transmission LS fluid.

Suspension
Front suspension: Pushrod setup with a single damper adjustable for bump and rebound settings
Rear suspension: Pushrod layout featuring twin dampers adjustable for bump and rebound
Brakes

The braking system employs four-piston calipers paired with ventilated discs and Ferodo DS4003 brake pads, including an adjustable front-to-rear bias control accessible from the cockpit.

Tyres
Front: 16/53 x
Rear: 23/57 x
Supplier: Michelin controlled
Notable exceptions:
Asia: Kumho (from 2002 onwards)
Brazil: Pirelli (2002 to 2006)
North America: Yokohama (beginning in 2004)
Wheels
Front: 8 inches x
Rear: 10 inches x
Supplier: OZ

2010–present

Produced by Barazi-Epsilon EB01 A. Significant enhancements include:

  • Engine replaced with a 2.0L Renault F4R 832, delivering increased maximum power
  • Transmission upgraded to a 7-speed sequential gearbox

Championships

Formula Renault 2.0 competitions are categorized into standard series and Winter Series, the latter taking place during the off-season from November to February. In 2005, the naming convention changed from Formula Renault 2000 to Formula Renault 2.0. Additionally, a regional 2.0L series operates in Uruguay.

Template:ARGArgentine Formula Renault Championship since 1980 Template:Pirelli Utilizes Tito 02 chassis Template:BRAFormula Renault 2.0 Brazil 2002–2006 Template:PirelliTemplate:Country data MEXTemplate:Namespace detect showallLatin AmericaMexican Formula Renault Championship 2002–2004 Template:MichelinFormula Renault 2000 de America 2005–2007 Template:MichelinUnited StatesCanadaNorth AmericaNorth American Fran Am 2000 Pro Championship 2002–2003 Template:MichelinFormula TR 2000 Pro Series 2004–2007 Template:YokohamaTemplate:Country data CHNTemplate:Namespace detect showallTemplate:Country data MYSTemplate:Namespace detect showallAsiaFormula Renault AsiaCup 2002–2019,2022 Template:Kumho Incorporates the China Formula Renault Challenge, awarding the top Asian driver in the Asian Challenge Category.
Official Formula Renault 2.0L Championships
Europe
Region/Country Final Series Title Years Active Tyre Supplier Additional Details Winter Series Availability
Template:Country data CHETemplate:Namespace detect showall Template:Country data ITATemplate:Namespace detect showall Alps Italian Formula Renault Championship 2000–2010 Template:Michelin Also referred to as Formula Renault 2.0 Italia, previously Formula Renault 2000 Italia (2000–04) 2001-2008
Formula Renault 2.0 Middle European Championship 2002–2010 Template:Michelin Formerly known as Formule Renault 2.0 Suisse and Renault Speed Trophy F2000
Formula Renault 2.0 Alps 2002-2015 Template:Michelin Created by merging the Middle European and Italian championships
Challenge Formula Renault 2.0 Italia 2011-2012 Template:Michelin Successor to Formula Renault 2.0 Italia utilizing vehicles produced between 2000-2009
Template:EST Formula Renault 2.0 Estonia 2008 Template:Michelin Sole champion: Jesse Krohn (Finland) and team P1 Motorsport
Template:Country data EURTemplate:Namespace detect showall Europe Challenge Européen de Formule Renault 1972–1974 Template:Michelin
Challenge de Formule Renault Europe 1975–1977 Template:Michelin
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 (part of World Series by Renault) 1991-2020 Template:Michelin
GermanyTemplate:Country data NLDTemplate:Namespace detect showall Northern Europe Formula Renault 2.0 Germany 1991–1999,
2001–2005 		Template:Michelin
Formula Renault 2.0 Netherlands 1991–1995,
2003–2005 		Template:Michelin
Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup 2006-2018 Template:Michelin
America
Region/Country Final Series Title Years Active Tyre Supplier Additional Details Winter Series Availability
Asia
Region/Country Final Series Title Years Active Tyre Supplier Additional Details Winter Series Availability

Champions

Numerous victors of Formula Renault have progressed to distinguished careers in motorsport, among them Alain Prost, who claimed the Formula One World Championship four times. Other prominent racers such as Didier Pironi, Kimi Räikkönen, Felipe Massa, and Lewis Hamilton have all achieved victories in Grand Prix events.

Formula Renault 2.0L chronology

... [Timeline content preserved as original for detailed reference] ...


Formula Renault 1.6L

This particular Formula Renault category was designed for young drivers aged between 14 and 21 who had previous karting experience.

Vehicle specifications

The cars are equipped with K4M 1598cc engines manufactured by Renault.

Official championships

Recognized Formula Renault 1.6L championships
Europe
Region/Country Final official series title Years active Tyre supplier Additional notes
Template:BEL Formula Renault 1.6 Belgium 2003–2007 Template:Michelin Previously known as Formula Renault 1600 Belgium, governed by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium.
Template:FRA F4 Eurocup 1.6 (part of World Series by Renault) 1993–2017 Template:Michelin Initially managed by La Filière Elf Aquitaine from 1993, later overseen by FFSA and the Auto Sport Academy near Circuit Bugatti, Le Mans.
Template:ITA Formula Junior 1.6 powered by Renault 2002–2006 Template:Michelin Supplanted in 2007 by Formula Monza featuring Fiat engines.
Template:ESP Formula Renault 1.6 Spain 2002–2004 Template:Michelin Formerly called Formula Junior 1600 Spain.
Template:Country data NLDTemplate:Namespace detect showall Template:Country data BELTemplate:Namespace detect showall Germany Western Europe Formula Renault 1.6 NEC Junior 2013–2014 Template:Kumho
Template:Country data SWETemplate:Namespace detect showall Template:Country data FINTemplate:Namespace detect showall Template:Country data ESTTemplate:Namespace detect showall Northern Europe Formula Nordic#Formula Renault 1.6 Nordic (Formula Renault 1.6 Nordic) 2013–2015 Template:Dunlop
Template:Michelin 		Supported the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship; tyre supplier switched from Dunlop to Michelin in 2015; continued without official Renault backing in 2016.
Americas
Region/Country Final official series title Years active Tyre supplier Additional notes
Template:ARG Argentine Formula Renault Championship#Formula Renault Elf 1.6 Argentina (Formula Renault Elf 1.6 Argentina) 2007–2009 Template:Michelin Superseded by FR 2.0 starting in 2010.
Template:Country data MEXTemplate:Namespace detect showall Latin America Formula Junior 1600 2005–2007 Template:Michelin
Template:Flagicon USATemplate:Flagicon CAN North America North American Fran Am 1600 Pro Championship 2002–2003 Template:Michelin Replaced by Formula TR 1600 Pro Series.
Formula TR 1600 Pro Series 2004–2007 Template:Yokohama Restricted to West Coast events only.


Champions

  • In the 2007 Belgian series, Karline Stala made history as the first female to secure a single-seater championship title and earned an opportunity to test the Formula Renault 3.5L at Circuit Paul Ricard.

Timeline of Formula Renault 1.6L


Additional Renault-Supported Formulas

In Argentina, multiple Formula Renault competitions run parallel to the official 2.0L championship:

  • Fórmula Renault Plus (established in 2007) utilizes the Renault Clio K4M engine with a displacement of 1598cc.
  • Fórmula Renault Interprovincial (since 2007) features a 1,397 cc power unit derived from the Renault 12 T.S Break.
  • Fórmula 4 Nacional (inaugurated in 2007) employs Renault K4M engines (1598cc) tuned for lower output compared to the official 1.6L series; chassis manufacturers are chosen by teams. These events coincide with TC 2000 race meetings.
  • Fórmula 4 Metropolitana (beginning in 2008) succeeded Fórmula 4 Nacional, preserving similar engine specifications and permitting chassis selection.
  • Fórmula Super Renault utilizes chassis from Dallara, Reynard, Ralt, or TOM'S combined with engines from Renault 21, Renault 18, or F3R 2.0L variants. The series was suspended in 2005 due to insufficient entries.

In Italy, the Formula 2000 Light, launched in 2008, uses Tatuus chassis originally designed for Formula Renault or Formula Three cars. The same year saw the debut of the LATAM Challenge Series, aimed at Latin American markets. Since 2007, the Austria Formel Renault Cup, active in Central Europe, runs alongside the Austria Formula 3 Cup featuring 2.0L Renault-powered vehicles. Furthermore, the Formule Renault 2.0 North European Zone, was introduced in 2008.

The Formula Asia 2.0, created to broaden racing opportunities across Asia, operated exclusively during 2008. It incorporated Renault engines, Tatuus chassis, and Michelin tyres but failed to establish long-term presence or notable acclaim within motorsport history.

Champions

For winners of GP Series championships, refer to the pages for GP2 Series, GP2 Asia Series, and GP3 Series.


See also

External links

Formula Renault 3.5L

Formula Renault 2.0L

Europe
America
Asia

Formula Renault 1.6L

Europe
America

Additional Renault-powered series

Europe
America
Asia
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