Elf tackles the V8 challenge

With the RS26 engine, the partnership between the Renault F1 Team and Elf has been a key factor in hitting performance and reliability objectives. The fuel and lubricants play a fundamental part in the performance of a Formula 1 engine. They allow engineers to reduce internal friction, prevent excessive wear of the moving parts and to optimise the combustion cycle.

As soon as the Renault F1 Team began working on the V8 engine destined for the 2006 season, it turned to its historic technical partner, Elf, in order to discuss the questions of performance and reliability. Just as in past years, it was a fruitful discussion…

“Renault and Elf enjoy an exemplary technical partnership,” explains Denis Marcel, Elf’s Competition Director. “It is based on shared values of honesty and progress through innovation, that bind the two companies together. Our role is not just to assist the team by formulating, producing and delivering the right products. We prioritise dialogue, and try to meet the Renault F1 Team’s needs as closely, and as quickly, as possible.”

The close relationship between the two companies allowed them to work together from the inception of the design process, to formulate products that are perfectly adapted to the demands of the V8 engine.

“We looked at three areas when we were formulating the lubricants: the timing gear (and notably the loads in the camshaft), the pistons and the bearings,” explains Elf’s F1 Programme Manager, Philippe Girard. “What’s more, the operating temperatures of the engine are higher than in 2005. Each of these points necessitated a specific answer, both in terms of viscosity and anti-wear properties.” A lubricant tailor-made for the Renault V8 was homologated this winter.

Combustion, the process that generates power, was not forgotten either: the RS26 burns its air-fuel mixture quickly… and well. “With the fuel, the aim was to further accelerate the combustion speed,” confirms Philippe Girard. “A V8 engine is used at higher revs more often than the V10. So new fuels have been homologated for the 2006 season.”

The development programme is already well underway for 2006, and performance gains will be introduced progressively throughout the season. “This year, our aim will be to stay as reactive as possible,” concludes Philippe Girard. “As the engine team prepares developments, we must be ready to work in concert with them, by providing adapted products that can ensure performance and reliability. We began working on the 2006 season very early, we have evolved the right technical solutions, and the new car looked very promising from its opening laps. Our motivation is very high, and we are hoping to enjoy an outstanding season, just like in 2005.”

On the technical side, it’s all systems go. That means Denis Marcel can be justifiably optimistic in his assessment. “We are proud to be working with Renault once again, both in contributing to its sporting challenges and also with the road cars,” he continues. “I am convinced that our greatest victories are still to come. We wish everybody in the Renault F1 Team an excellent 2006 season, and we will once again accompany them in their challenge for victory.”