Renault R28
| Industry | Formula One racing car |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 |
Key people | Bob Bell (Technical Director), James Allison (Deputy Technical Director), Tim Densham (Chief Designer), Dino Toso (Head of Aerodynamics), Pat Symonds (Executive Director of Engineering), Rob White (Engine Development) |
| Products | Formula One car |
The Renault R28 served as the Formula One car for the Renault F1 team throughout the 2008 Formula One season. Its chassis was crafted under the guidance of Technical Director Bob Bell, with support from Deputy Technical Director James Allison, Chief Designer Tim Densham, and Head of Aerodynamics Dino Toso. The overall design and manufacturing process was managed by Executive Director of Engineering Pat Symonds. Engine development responsibilities were handled by Rob White. The vehicle was piloted by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso alongside newcomer Nelson Piquet Jr.
Launch
Similar to Honda, Renault conducted early shakedown runs of the R28 in Valencia a week prior to its formal unveiling, with Fernando Alonso completing initial laps on January 21, 2008. The official presentation took place on January 31 at Renault’s communications center located in Boulogne-Billancourt, close to Paris. Alongside Alonso, Renault announced rookie Nelson Piquet Jr. as his teammate for the 2008 campaign and confirmed Lucas di Grassi, Romain Grosjean, and Sakon Yamamoto as designated test drivers.
The R28's livery remained largely consistent with the previous year, maintaining primary sponsorship from ING Group while incorporating new sponsors such as Pepe Jeans and the Spanish insurance company Mutua Madrileña. Notably, Mutua Madrileña transitioned from backing McLaren-Mercedes in 2007 to supporting Renault, following their association with Alonso through personal sponsorship ties.
Testing
During early testing phases in 2008, Renault demonstrated significant advancement, with Alonso frequently recording times near the top of the leaderboard. He highlighted enhanced comprehension of Bridgestone tyres and improved adaptation to car setups that lacked traction control and engine braking systems. Despite encountering strong winds, the team continued to refine the car during subsequent tests at Jerez.
Later uses
On April 9, 2009, amid Renault’s promotional activities in Dubai, Mohammed Ben Sulayem took the R28 for a test run at Dubai Autodrome but unfortunately collided with the pit wall shortly after starting. The incident resulted in total destruction of the vehicle; however, Ben Sulayem emerged without injuries.
Complete Formula One results
(key) (bold denotes pole position)
| Year | Entrant | Engine | Tyres | Drivers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | Points | WCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:F1 | ING Renault F1 | Renault V8 | Template:Bridgestone | AUS | MAL | BHR | ESP | TUR | MON | CAN | FRA | GBR | GER | HUN | EUR | BEL | ITA | SIN | JPN | CHN | BRA | 80 | 4th | |
| Fernando Alonso | 4 | 8 | 10 | Ret | 6 | 10 | Ret | 8 | 6 | 11 | 4 | Ret | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | ||||||
| Nelson Piquet Jr. | Ret | 11 | Ret | Ret | 15 | Ret | Ret | 7 | Ret | 2 | 6 | 11 | Ret | 10 | Ret | 4 | 8 | Ret |