Launched at the Moscow International Automobile Salon in August before being presented at the Paris Motor Show, the latest jewel in the Renault Sport Technologies crown turned on its V6 power to thrill the fans at the Fast, Free & Fun event.

Renault Ambassador Alain Prost had the honour of being behind the wheel of the Renault Sport R.S. 01 for its maiden public outing. Hugely impressed by the design of the new car, the four-time Formula One world champion said: “The Renault Sport R.S. 01 is magnificent. Though it’s a genuine race car, it’s very closely linked to the product because a lot of the inspiration for its design has come from the new production models.”

Taking respective turns in the passenger seat alongside Prost were Jean Ragnotti and Sébastien Buemi, who were both thrilled to be there, with the star of the Renault Classic Show making a typically flamboyant contribution to the occasion.

“I don’t like sitting in the co-driver’s seat but I have to say it was a lot of fun,” said the larger-than-life Ragnotti. “Alain Prost is a calm kind of guy and he wasn’t as excited as I was. I think I did a pretty good job of being a co-driver. I wasn’t scared. I was applauding Alain and I had some pace notes with me too. I was the perfect co-driver: ‘Hard right. Hard left…’ I was just messing around, like I always do!”

The demo drives at the Circuito de Jerez provided a sneak preview of Renault Sport’s latest star car before it takes centre stage in the all-new Renault Sport Trophy next year. Forming part of the World Series by Renault, the new championship will be open to Pro-Am crews and will provide a stepping stone to GT and Endurance racing.

In the lead-up to next season, we will be giving you all the information you need on the Renault Sport R.S. 01 at the official World Series by Renault Facebook page.

And what better way to round off the Jerez meeting than with an exclusive interview with Alain Prost himself? You can read it right here.