Renault R23

Active: 2003 - 06-07-2003 Team: Renault F1 Designers: Mike Gascoyne (TD), Tim Densham (CD), Bob Iley (CA) Drivers: Jarno Trulli (7), Fernando Alonso ( 8 )

Having driven a full year as the test driver for Renault, Fernando Alonso was given a chance as race driver by his manager and Renault team chief Flavio Briatore. Alonso proved to be very mature for his age and drove a very constant season, raising hopes in Spain to have a world champion in Formula One some day.

The car itself is the man where Renault team boss Briatore puts his hopes on. The 21-year old is driving a very good car, which is also very reliable. Although their low gravitiy, the 111° engine still needs some development work concerning top speed, but work is being done. The chassis, developed under supervision of Mike Gascoyne was known as one of the most efficient that year, with the team consistently choosing the softer tyre compounds without any blistering on the tyres.

With 6 races remaining in 2003, the R23 was replaced by the Renault R23B.

Specifications

Chassis: Moulded carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb composite monocoque, manufactured by the Renault F1 Team and designed for maximum strength and stiffness with minimum weight. Engine installed as a fully-stressed member.
Front suspension: Carbon fibre top and bottom wishbones operate an inboard titanium rocker via a pushrod system.This is connected to a torsion bar and damper units which are mounted at the front of the monocoque.
Rear suspension: Titanium top and carbon fibre bottom wishbones operating vertically mounted torsion bars and horizontally-mounted damper units mounted on the top of the gearbox casing.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic gearbox with one reverse gear.
Fuel system: Kevlar-reinforced rubber fuel cell provides reduced risk of fire and is mounted behind cockpit in chassis monocoque.
Cooling system: Separate oil and water radiators located in the car's sidepods and cooled using airflow from the car's forward motion.
Electrical: Renault F1 Team developed chassis electronics and software control items such as gearbox, and the system links to engine management system (Magneti Marelli).
Braking system: Carbon fibre discs and pads (Hitco); calipers by AP Racing.
Cockpit: Removable driver's seat made of anatomically formed carbon composite, with six-point harness seat belt. Steering wheel has gear change and clutch paddles attached.
Car dimensions and weight

• Front track: 1,450mm
• Rear track: 1,400mm
• Wheel base: 3,100mm
• Overall length: 4,600mm
• Overall height: 950mm
• Overall width: 1,800mm
• Overall weight: 600kg including driver, camera and ballast

• Naturally aspirated three-litre V10 engine, 2998 cc
• Wide v-angle, 112°
• 4 valves per cylinder
• Engine speed in excess of 18000 RPM, providing a maximum power of more than 800 BHP.