 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2018) |
 The RS01 on display at the 2013 Rétromobile | |||||||||
| Category | Formula One | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | Renault | ||||||||
| Designer(s) | François Castaing (Technical Director) André de Cortanze (Chief Designer) Jean-Pierre Jabouille (Engineering Director) Marcel Hubert (Head of Aerodynamics) | ||||||||
| Successor | RS10 | ||||||||
| Technical specifications | |||||||||
| Chassis | Aluminium monocoque | ||||||||
| Engine | Renault-Gordini EF1 1,496 cc (91.3 cu in), 90° V6, turbocharged, mid-engine, longitudinally-mounted | ||||||||
| Transmission | manual | ||||||||
| Power | 510 hp @ 11,000 rpm[1] | ||||||||
| Fuel | Elf | ||||||||
| Tyres | Michelin | ||||||||
| Competition history | |||||||||
| Notable entrants | Equipe Renault Elf | ||||||||
| Notable drivers | 15.  Jean-Pierre Jabouille16. René Arnoux | ||||||||
| Debut | 1977 British Grand Prix | ||||||||
| Last event | 1979 Belgian Grand Prix | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Constructors' Championships | 0 | ||||||||
| Drivers' Championships | 0 | ||||||||
The Renault RS01 was the first Formula One car to be powered by a turbocharged engine. It was also the first to use radial tyres, which were provided by Michelin.[2] Designed by André de Cortanze and Jean-Pierre Jabouille, it first appeared at the 1977 British Grand Prix. The rules of F1 at the time permitted 3.0 litre naturally-aspirated engines, with a clause for a 1.5 litre supercharged or turbocharged engine. None of the teams had pursued this avenue, and stuck to Ford Cosworth DFV engines, whilst Ferrari, Matra and Alfa Romeo concentrated on developing Flat-12 engines for their cars, and their customer teams of Ligier and Brabham. Leading French car manufacturer Renault decided to develop a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine, and a car to accompany the powerplant.
- ^ "Engine Renault • STATS F1".
- ^ "Renault 30th F1 anniversary/ Talks about the RS01". Formula1.com. Retrieved 2013-08-11.