Renault R27

Renault R27
Company type	Formula One car
Industry	Motorsport
Founded	2007; 19 years ago
Founder	Renault
Key people	Pat Symonds (Executive Director of Engineering), Bob Bell, James Allison, Dino Toso (Designers), Rob White (Engine development)
Products	Formula One car
Parent	Renault

The Renault R27 was a Formula One car created by Renault specifically for the 2007 Formula One season. The chassis design was overseen by Executive Director of Engineering Pat Symonds, with crucial contributions from designers including Bob Bell, James Allison, and Dino Toso. Engine development responsibilities were managed by Rob White. The driving lineup consisted of veteran racer Giancarlo Fisichella alongside debutant Heikki Kovalainen.

The R27 was unveiled to the public on 16 January 2007 at the Jerez circuit after initial shakedown tests at Silverstone, showcasing Renault’s engineering and strategic ambitions to contend in the fiercely competitive Formula One arena.

Aerodynamics

Although the R27 bore strong resemblance to its predecessor, the 2006 R26, it incorporated several aerodynamic modifications. Its front wing retained a similar design to that of the R26, while the rearview mirrors were positioned on the sidepod strakes, a design element inspired by Ferrari’s 2006 248 F1.

Despite these design parallels, the R27’s performance fell short, causing Renault to drop to fourth place in the Constructors' Championship. The car did not achieve any victories—the first time since 2002—and managed only one podium finish at the rain-impacted Japanese Grand Prix courtesy of rookie Heikki Kovalainen. By comparison, the R26 had won its debut race and secured both championships in 2006. Renault attributed the disappointing results to excessive reliance on wind tunnel simulations that failed to accurately reflect real-world aerodynamic behavior. By the end of the season, other Renault-powered teams such as Red Bull, along with rivals like Williams, Scuderia Toro Rosso, Toyota, and Honda, had surpassed the R27. Many experts linked this downturn to Renault diverting attention from further development of the R27 towards preparing for their next model, the 2008 car.

Tyre adaptation and balance challenges

Following Michelin’s departure after 2006, Bridgestone became the exclusive tyre supplier in 2007. Renault faced difficulties adjusting from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres, which adversely affected the car’s competitiveness. Giancarlo Fisichella identified a lack of sufficient front downforce as a significant factor contributing to handling and balance problems experienced by the R27.

Gearbox

The R27 was notable for introducing Renault’s inaugural seven-speed Instantaneous GearChange (ICG) seamless-shift gearbox. This transmission proved dependable throughout the season; Heikki Kovalainen suffered only one retirement due to an accident at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Livery

The car’s color scheme reflected its new main sponsor, ING Group, featuring a combination of orange, white, yellow, and dark blue hues. This multicolored livery elicited mixed opinions among fans. During early testing phases and at its official launch event in Amsterdam on 24 January, an interim dark blue and yellow paint scheme was employed.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (bold denotes pole position)

Year	Team	Engine	Tyres	Drivers	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	Points	WCC
Template:F1	Renault	Renault V8	Template:Bridgestone		AUS	MAL	BHR	ESP	MON	CAN	USA	FRA	GBR	EUR	HUN	TUR	ITA	BEL	JPN	CHN	BRA	51	3rd
				Template:Country data ITA Template:Namespace detect showall Giancarlo Fisichella	5	6	8	9	4	DSQ	9	6	8	10	12	9	12	Ret	5	11	Ret
				Template:Country data FIN Template:Namespace detect showall Heikki Kovalainen	10	8	9	7	13^†	4	5	15	7	8	8	6	7	8	2	9	Ret

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