For the first time since it made its racing debut, the Renaultsport R.S. 01 will compete outside the World Series by Renault. Two cars are entered for this weekend’s GT Tour season finale at Circuit Paul Ricard.
Built exclusively for racing in the Renaultsport Trophy, the car has gained interest from several teams, meaning that Renault Sport Technologies has quickly engineered a series of adjustments to reach new homologations. The first was granted by the FFSA, through a GT3 balance of performance (BoP).
To meet the GT3 BoP, the carbon brakes have been replaced with steel, whilst the car’s weight has increased by 75kg. The ride height was also raised, whilst an engine restrictior has also been added to the Nissan-derived twin-turbo V6 engine. Changes were also made aerodynamically to add drag and remove downforce.
Two cars are set to take part in the FFSA championship this coming weekend. The Team Duqueine Renaultsport R.S. 01 will be entrusted to three GT Tour regulars: Eric Clément, Ange Barde and Bruce Lorgere-Roux. They will be joined in Open Challenge by a second R.S. 01 entered by the Belgian Boutsen-Ginion team for Eric Vaissière and Olivier Grotz.
“Since the genesis of the Renault Sport R.S. 01, the interest in our creation has been keen among teams and promoters,” explained Jean-Pascal Dauce, Renault Sport Technologies motorsport director. “The success of the Renaultsport Trophy in the World Series by Renault has confirmed this trend. As competitors, we are extremely enthusiastic about the idea of seeing the R.S. 01 take on the competition. No doubt, it will turn heads among both drivers and spectators. We are extremely grateful in the confidence that Hugues de Chaunac has shown in us and this drives us to continue our discussions with other championships.”
“We are pleased to welcome two Renault Sport R.S. 01s for the first appearance of this car outside the Renaultsport Trophy,” added Hugues de Chaunac, ORECA Group president and GT Tour promoter. “It is a fast car with a magnificent look. This presence, through two quality teams, will, without a doubt, be positive and interesting. We have paid close attention the R.S. 01. I am convinced that the spectators will fully appreciate it.”
