12 February 2014
Renault’s Formula 3 comeback takes shape
Following the announcement made at the end of last year that Renault was returning to Formula 3, Renault Sport Technologies and ORECA have been working together on the design of a new 2000cc, four-cylinder, direct-injection engine, which will get its first run-out in a Signature-team Dallara within the next month.
The result of a joint project involving Renault Sport Technologies and ORECA, the engine is currently being tuned, with one of its first versions having been sent to Dallara in January for approved fitting in a Formula 3 single-seater.
“We are very satisfied with the progress being made with the programme for the development of the Renault by ORECA engine for the FIA Formula 3 European Championship,” said Christophe Chapelain, Renault Sport Technologies’ Technical Motorsport Manager. “The project is moving forward as planned with our partners and the next key phase for ORECA and Renault Sport Technologies will be the first test run in a few weeks’ time.”
“The initial results on the test bed are encouraging,” said a delighted Serge Meyer, the head of ORECA’s engine department. “We’ll be going back to Signature at the end of February/early March for a new fitting, which will be followed by a preliminary test run in France. We can’t wait to get out on the track for what is a vital phase in this new challenge, one we are taking on with the support of Renault Sport Technologies.”
The Signature team will be lining up with two Renault-powered Dallaras in this season’s FIA Formula 3 European Championship. Two testing sessions are scheduled in early April at the Hungaroring and the Red Bull Ring, with the season getting under way at Silverstone on 19-20 April.