From Australia to Japan with Renault
From its first laps at Melbourne until the final race in Suzuka, the Renault R23(B) acquired more than 300 new components, to enhance performance, and adjust efficiency for each circuit's demands. Executive Director of Engineering Pat Symonds states it very plainly: "If you are not improving an F1 car, it means you are going backwards down the grid."
Consequently, the Renault F1 Team pushed hard on developing the R23. Even at the first race in Melbourne, the car included several improvements compared to the configuration in winter testing. Here is the detailed review.
AUSTRALIA: Modified bargeboards, new brake ducts. Number of new chassis components: 15
MALAYSIA: New X wings on the sidepods, modifications to the cooling system. Number of new chassis components: 18
BRAZIL: New rear wing, modified lower plane of the rear wing and brake ducts. Number of new chassis components: 20
SAN MARINO: New front wing endplates, and entirely new brake ducts for the demanding circuit. Number of new chassis components: 14
SPAIN: New front suspension, with a more aerodynamic top wishbone. Number of new chassis components: 12
AUSTRIA: Modified front wing endplates, modified upper plane of the front wing, revised height of the front wing. Number of new chassis components: 33
MONACO: High downforce package used. New engine cover, rear wing assembly, double bargeboards adopted, modified suspension for better steering angle, modified brake ducts. Number of new chassis components: 28
CANADA: New upper rear wing. Number of new chassis components: 12
EUROPE: Revised airbox, brake ducts modified for greater downforce. Number of new chassis components: 11
FRANCE: New front wing upper plane, not used in the race. Number of new chassis components: 10
GREAT BRITAIN: R23B replaces R23. New floor and diffuser, as well as bodywork, exhausts and rear suspension. Number of new chassis components: more than 80 including bodywork.
GERMANY: Modifications for improved reliability. Number of new chassis components: 16
HUNGARY: New front wing endplates, improved oil cooling system but not used in race. Number of new chassis components: 23
ITALY: New diffuser, revised upper plane of rear wing, as well as rear wing endplates and rear suspension. Revised front wing for low downforce running. Number of new chassis components: 27
USA: Reliability developments. At this point, the design office is primarily focused on the 2004 program. Number of new chassis components: 13
JAPAN: Reliability developments. Number of new chassis components: 10
