Fernando Alonso, 2005 FIA Formula 1 World Champion celebrates victory in China.
When Renault puts its heart and soul into Formula One, it's not just for the benefit of the sport. It also means innovations sourced from our laboratories can take to the road in production cars - your future vehicles. Renault's commitment to Formula One is based on four key areas: performance, innovation, passion and anticipation.
Performance: As a racing team or simply as a car maker, Renault has always been passionate about Formula One. The results gained since our return to the fray in 2002 have demonstrated our excellent level of performance; in 2003/4, Renault claimed third spot in the Constructors' World Championships and 6 podium finishes. In 2005, Renault has powered Fernando Alonso to his first Driver's Championship, the youngest driver ever to achieve this, and also claimed the Constructors Championship.
Innovation
Innovation is always the driving force behind Renault. With state-of-the-art test laboratories in France and Britain, the Renault F1 Team can analyse and fine tune all the components of the latest races and its fabulous RS25 engine. Developing its cars to meet wide-ranging technical regulation changes, Renault F1 Team makes dynamic discoveries that can also be used to enhance the road cars of tomorrow.
Passion
Technological progress and constant improvements in performance can only happen if everyone is fired with the same passion. The Renault F1 Team is fully aware of this. Engineers, mechanics and drivers put heart and soul into the single aim of going ever further and faster.
Anticipation
The Renault F1 Team is helping to prepare the next generation of racing drivers. Its Renault Driver Development Programme trains young drivers from 10 different countries through a dedicated process of instruction, combining theory and practice.
The 2005 Formula 1 season has been hugely successful for the Renault Team, which has been an absolute model of consistency throughout the year. Fernando Alonso, in particular, has been in exceptional form and has maintained clear daylight between himself and Kimi Raikkonen throughout the season. His victory in this year's Drivers' Championship is no less than he deserves and he becomes the youngest ever winner of the title.
To put the icing on the cake, Renault's victory over McLaren-Mercedes in the coveted Constructors' Championship says so much about the reliability and performance of the car.
People in the know have been predicting that Fernando Alonso would become world champion, ever since he won the Spanish Kart Racing Championship for the first time in 1994. This year he proved them right.
The youngest ever World Champion, Alonso is known not only for his tenacity and desire to win in a demanding sporting discipline, but also for the pride and prestige he has brought to his country. After winning the World Kart Championship he went on to the 1999 Euro Open with the Nissan Team before being taken on for testing with Minardi. He also claimed fourth place in the F3000 championship.
In 2001 Alonso made his move to Renault and began racing for them in 2003. He was the youngest ever driver to gain pole position and the youngest ever race winner. This season he has proven himself yet again and with his talent and determination he's sure to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
"This season has been like a dream come true. For Renault, to do this only four years after coming back to F1 is exceptional. It was very tough but thanks to the people in this team, we managed it." Fernando Alonso
Visit www.RenaultF1.com to learn more about Renault F1 Team
