Renault F1 opens up

The company has provided unprecedented access to its new Formula One racecar and surprisingly detailed information on its engine.

Normally, Formula One racing teams develop new cars and technology with levels of secrecy and security exceeded only by matters of national defense. Subtle details of seemingly little value to competitors are closely guarded, and even obvious changes, such as a top-exiting exhaust routing, typically earn no comment from the team.

So we are fortunate that Renault F1 has taken a more open approach with regard to the development of its challenger for the 2004 season, dubbed the R24. The company has provided unprecedented access to the new car and surprisingly detailed information on its engine, the RS24. While each team varies in its processes, Renault's exhibition illustrates the challenges each team must overcome and some of the ways they may address those challenges.