The Renault RS21 was a V10 3.0L naturally-aspirated engine developed by Renault and used exclusively in the Benetton B201 car for the 2001 Formula One Season. Renault had purchased the team before the start of the 2000 season, with the intention of returning to Formula One as a works team. As such, this was the last engine to be used in a Benetton-branded car. Renault rebranded the team at the end of the season.
The engine used an unusual wide-angled 111° engine layout. This allowed the engine to be fitted lower in the chassis for aerodynamic benefits, but power and reliability suffered as a result. Mid-season, the engine was revised to increase the strength of components, in a bid to improve reliability. Improvements to the launch control and traction control systems were also made.
Results improved in the final half of the season, with a double-points finish at the 2001 German Grand Prix and a podium finish for Giancarlo Fisichella at the 2001 Belgian Grand Prix.
References[]
| v·d·e | Nominate this page for Featured Article |
