Renault R202

Renault R202

Company type	Formula One racing car
Industry	Motorsport
Predecessor	Benetton B201
Founded	2002
Headquarters	Paris , France
Key people	Mike Gascoyne (designer), Bob Bell, Tim Densham, John Iley, Pat Symonds
Products	Formula One car
Parent	Renault F1 Team

The Renault R202 represented Renault's participation in the 2002 Formula One World Championship, signifying their comeback after rebranding the previous Benetton team. The car was piloted by British driver Jenson Button, who remained with the team from 2001, and Italian driver Jarno Trulli, who transferred from Jordan. Testing responsibilities were assigned to Spanish driver Fernando Alonso, recruited from Minardi.

Maintaining Benetton's tradition in chassis naming, Renault labeled the vehicle as R202.

Introduction

The R202 symbolized Renault's formal return to Formula One as a constructor and complete team in 2002. Its unveiling took place in Paris, France on 27 January 2002. Following the full rebranding of the former Benetton outfit under Renault, the car showcased dominant yellow highlights on a pale blue background—the signature color of main sponsor Mild Seven—except during the British and French events. In locations where tobacco advertising was prohibited, "Mild Seven" branding was substituted with "Blue World."

Chassis

The R202 was designed by Mike Gascoyne, assisted by Bob Bell, Tim Densham, John Iley, and Pat Symonds, representing an aerodynamic refinement of its 2001 predecessor through extensive wind tunnel development. It was equipped with Renault's RS22 V10 engine featuring a distinctive 111° cylinder bank angle, which provided a lower center of gravity compared to rival engines. The RS22 delivered 825 horsepower at 17,500 rpm. The car utilized Michelin tires, continuing a partnership established before Renault’s 2001 Formula One re-entry.

Testing

Prior to the Australian Grand Prix, drivers Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button conducted thorough testing of the R202 at Silverstone, utilizing three separate chassis. Reserve driver Fernando Alonso also participated in component testing into March, aiding development ahead of the season opener.

Renault's 2002 campaign began unfavorably at the Australia Grand Prix, where both Button and Trulli were forced to retire due to collisions by Lap 9. Trulli failed to finish the subsequent two races, while Button achieved fourth-place finishes and secured fifth place in San Marino, earning crucial points. At the Spanish Grand Prix, both drivers retired but were still classified after completing over 90% of the race distance; Button was on course for his inaugural podium finish. Trulli struggled with reliability issues, managing to finish only one race prior to the Austria event.

Trulli’s form improved at the Monaco race with a fourth-place result and added a point with sixth place in Canada. Nevertheless, he retired from five additional races, including Renault’s home round at the French Grand Prix, where Button finished sixth to claim a point.

The R202 recorded its only double points finish at the 2002 Italian Grand Prix held at Monza, despite both drivers starting outside the top ten qualifiers. Despite persistent reliability difficulties, Renault concluded the season fourth in the World Constructors' Championship with 23 points—Button contributing 14 and Trulli 9—and placed seventh and eighth respectively in the drivers’ championship standings.

The 2002 season was Button's last with Renault before his transfer to British American Racing.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (Entries highlighted in bold denote pole positions; those in italics represent fastest laps)

Year	Team	Power Unit	Tyres	Competitors	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	Points	Constructors' Championship
Template:F1	Mild Seven Renault F1 Team	Renault RS22 V10	Template:Michelin		AUS	MAL	BRA	SMR	ESP	AUT	MON	CAN	EUR	GBR	FRA	GER	HUN	BEL	ITA	USA	JPN	23	4th
				Template:Country data ITATemplate:Namespace detect showall Jarno Trulli	Retired	Retired	Retired	9th	10th†	Retired	4th	6th	8th	Retired	Retired	Retired	8th	Retired	4th	5th	Retired
				Template:Country data GBRTemplate:Namespace detect showall Jenson Button	Retired	4th	4th	5th	12th†	7th	Retired	15th†	5th	12th†	6	Retired	Retired	5	8	6