The official launch of the R28

Tuesday 29 January 2008 | RF1 Paddock Pass

| Launch | R28 | Fernando Alonso | Nelson Piquet

The ING Renault F1 Team is in the process of completing its final preparations for the launch of the R28 in Paris on Thursday. All the hard work has been building up to this moment, and there's just time to make the final touches before the big day.

The presentation of a new car is always a special occasion and it's a tradition that Renault is proud to continue. The journalists of the world are set to attend, and will be treated to a special ceremony as they get their first up-close peek at the beautiful R28. This year we are preparing to welcome almost 600 people, and believe me, the team will need to operate with military-style precision to make sure things go off without a hitch. Managing so many people who all want the same thing can be a delicate juggling act. But we've been here plenty of times before and the day is always a success.

The launch ceremony will get underway at 1400 on Thursday, but before that there's an enormous amount to do. Firstly, let's consider Wednesday, that's when the team's sponsors will get a sneak-preview of the R28 at a special cocktail party and dinner. It's the perfect opportunity for the team's partners to meet the team and drivers in a more relaxed environment. By Thursday, the drivers will be in massive demand with the world's media hungry to get their stories.

For Thursday we have set aside the morning for completing some interviews with members of the team, as well as a quick rehearsal, before a quick bite to eat at lunch. Then, it will be time to welcome the press - all 600 of them!

So, at 1400 sharp we will begin to unveil the R28 and affirm the team's objectives for the new season. Then there's the photo shoot with the drivers and the car - the first time the press will have been able to have a proper inspection of the R28. Next up will be the interviews, in various languages, which will last for around 2 hours! And the language skills of the drivers always make you marvel - Fernando will give interviews in Spanish (of course), English, Italian and French (so long as you don't talk to fast!). Similarly, Nelson is just as impressive, with impeccable English, Portuguese, and French. He's even pretty handy with Spanish.

The day will come to a close at around 1700, and then it's time for the press to leave and the drivers and team to head straight to Barcelona. Yes, the team will be pounding around the track on Friday, continuing with the next winter test session which will last until Sunday. This will be the first time that the team has run two R28s together at a test, so both drivers will enjoy full programmes.

As you will appreciate it's a busy week for the team, and a very important week. It's the time to celebrate the beginning of the team's 2008 adventure.

Comments

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 02:13:31 by amc

I don't tend to get excited about launches, but oddly I am about Thursday. Maybe it's the prolonged anticipation...

I'm gutted I won't be able to 'follow' it until after work though as I'm on a training course that day. I used to be the first to pick up on news and pictures!

Hope the launch and all the pre and post events go well for everyone.

ciao for now!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 03:13:39 by ecapdeville

I just have to wish you all the world's luck, my dad and me are the biggest renault supporters in mexico! (i think ) go renault! we will be with you always.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 06:58:00 by christidevos

May this be the car that puts Alonso and Renault back on top of the world.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 11:09:39 by sumersucu

İyi şanslar Renault , 2008 de şampiyonluk senin olsun.(Good luck Renault , the title is for you.)

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 11:21:16 by Witch

Hope tomorrow will be the first day of our coming successful days

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 12:13:10 by mammilia

show must go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
make us live the magic again!
Fernando,Nelson good luck from the bottom of our hearts!!!!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 12:21:11 by mammilia

show must go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
make us live the magic again!
Fernando,Nelson good luck from the bottom of our hearts!!!!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 12:22:54 by mammilia

show must go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
make us live the magic again!
Fernando,Nelson good luck from the bottom of our hearts!!!!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 12:40:57 by ElTorello

so, best luck for the busy days. 2008 we will kick asses once agian!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 13:24:47 by annabel

We hope R28 will make a good score in track!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 13:24:49 by annabel

We hope R28 will make a good score in track!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 14:16:31 by Fenix

I hope this year Fernando puts everyone where he should be...and that he recovers the prestige after going through Their Majesty Pirates Team...
Good luck and the most important...enjoy driving...in that way you will make us happy for sure

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 14:17:16 by kathy

GO!
Nelsinho & Nano!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 14:25:55 by scenic

Strange way to spell Renault in the above title
However, it's meaningful in french, with two "l" giving you wings...

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 16:41:08 by moermao

Great, I am waiting now.
Hope Renault will have a wonderful season in 2008!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 16:50:29 by Victor

Good luck guys for the launch tomorrow and for the test next week.

(Getting crowded compared to last year, don't you think? Question goes to the seasoned bloggers)

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 17:21:34 by Ratman

Champion 2008 - Renault are back in town

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 17:24:45 by Witch

You know Victor, I didn't join the blog last year as I did the previous season (2006) because of the obvious reason but read properly so guess you're right, it is getting crowded

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 17:48:43 by manuStudio

Finally the R28, not that anyone have not seen it on track yet but I have a feeling some things will be different.
Renault is already the only F1 Team in 2008 to have a wining driver, Romain Grosjean. Big Congratulation to him and what a great way to start the year with a double victory. I hope to see Nelshino to be as competitive...GO GO Renault F1 Team....GO bring out that TEAM SPIRIT!!!!
Now less that 24hrs before the R28 is launched, can't wait to see the photos.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 17:54:15 by manuStudio

Finally the R28, not that anyone have not seen it on track yet but I have a feeling some things will be different.
Renault is already the only F1 Team in 2008 to have a wining driver, Romain Grosjean. Big Congratulation to him and what a great way to start the year with a double victory. I hope to see Nelshino to be as competitive...GO GO Renault F1 Team....GO bring out that TEAM SPIRIT!!!!
Now less that 24hrs before the R28 is launched, can't wait to see the photos.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 19:19:34 by Jillian

Good Luck for tomorrow, I hope everything goes ok.

Go get 'em Fernando xxxxxxx

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 20:08:43 by bpl2008

amc, I think you will find that it is necessary to re-register every year because of French IT law, and the need to refresh the databases. That's all.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 20:12:10 by bpl2008

amc, I think you will find that it is necessary to re-register every year because of French IT law, and the need to refresh the databases. That's all.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 20:13:08 by bpl2008

amc, I think you will find that it is necessary to re-register every year because of French IT law, and the need to refresh the databases. That's all.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 20:14:13 by bpl2008

amc, I think you will find that it is necessary to re-register every year because of French IT law, and the need to refresh the databases. That's all.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 20:34:09 by bpl2008

re: 20, manustudio, the R28 ran last week in Valencia for 1500km! Didn't Romain do well in Dubai? I hope he keeps it up, he has a great opportunity this year.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 20:52:06 by Korrie

Good luck to everyone for tomorrow.I'm ashamed to say that I turned to the Darkside i.e. McL**** last year ( in order to support Fernando). I would just like to say that the Renault site is SOOO much better - more accessible & much more friendly - it's nice to come home!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 21:17:10 by kaddur

Will it be possible for the fans to watch it via livestream??? Would be great. Puxa Renault

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 22:18:40 by amc

bpl2008, I didn't know that about French IT law - not a speciality of mine, unsurprisingly. Thanks for the tip though.

Nice to see some familiar faces on the new site. I must agree with victor...it's astonishing how fast the place is filling up!

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 22:44:43 by Korrie

I honestly think that this is such a great site to contribute to - if any of you guys have ever subscribed to the Mc*** site - you will know that there are/were 3 forums - Mc***, Fernando, L**** - and basically it appears to be full of sad people relating past glory days and dissing the double world champion - also you have to pay a great deal of money to join that sorry site - everyone on that site seems to be too keen to slag everyone off - esp. Ferni. It was a complete waste of money (and crap).
Echoing Jillian - go - Ferni - go !!!!!!!!!! I've learnt the error of my ways - however I did need to support Senor Magic at all times - so that's my excuse

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 23:18:11 by manuStudio

@30.Korrie,
I have never been to that site you speak of, but its so clear that Mc*** never deaserved Alonso and they have been punished for it and will regret it. But that's their problems and now we have Alonso where he belongs, he's happy now.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 23:19:22 by manuStudio

8.30 hrs away from official R28 launch.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 23:43:37 by Korrie

to manuStudio
Thankyou for welcoming me back from the DarkMcSide - you are completely correct in all you say. I do, however, feel a little bit sorry for Heikki - it might work for him because he's Finnish (i.e. not Spanish or South American) - however there is NO WAY that 'equal-minded' Ron 'Man of Integrity' is going to let his 'Jaimito' get beaten - however who is going to set up Hambone's car now that Ferni has gone to a BETTER place? I'm sorry, I really wish I didn't feel as bitter as I do about last year - I am from the UK but I have supported Ferni since he was at Minardi - I support DRIVERS rather than nationality and the whole LH thing has really p*ssed me off. Remember 2006 when Schumacher was the bad guy & Ferni was the angel? How it changed in 2007 when the Brit press needed a bad guy - boy did that p*ss me off. Unfortunately I think that us Ferni fans are probably in for that this year too - however this year he is in a PROPER team that doesn't CHEAT and also fully supports him, gives him the status he deserves.

Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 23:53:59 by amc

Korrie, welcome to my world...you and I will get along nicely I feel.

But in saying that, leave it all behind you as I've tried to. The most important thing now is that Fernando is happy once again, Renault feel revived, and Heikki is content with his position. Let's just wait and see how the rest of the year pans out...as painful as it will be for us Brits who have to put up with the inevitable in our F1 coverage.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 00:24:50 by Korrie

Thankyou, amc for your welcome - I know I'm becoming boring now but I cannot get over how friendly this site is compaired to...I totally agree with you on waiting to see how it pans out - I'm not expecting any miracles - there is so much to be done, but as you say - Ferni seems happy again and that is a bonus - bring back Rod Nelson too! And let's put a contract out on James Allen and Martin Brundle - kill them before the season commences and then we won't get so wired - wish we could get James Hunt (RIP) back for commentary

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 03:08:12 by ZD1400RT

Can't wait to see the photos and put them on my desktop.
Hope Renault will have a excited season in 2008!

Gooo Renault!!!

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 05:44:03 by swifteddie

Anyone know if there will be a new livery on the r28 ?

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 06:08:39 by swifteddie

Anyone know if there will be a new livery on the r28 ?

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 06:13:47 by ecapdeville

Anyone know if there will be a live feed of the event?

In mexico will be 6:00 am I hope I could watch it!

I´m so excited, the week was sloooooooow...the 31th never arrived!

GO RENAULT!!!

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 06:28:06 by enchinya

Can't wait to see the photos and interviews of the launch!! Best wishes for the R28 in 2008!!

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 08:49:08 by safetycar

I can't wait to see the photos. I hope this car puts Alonso and Renault back on top.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 09:25:00 by Morok

Can't wait to see the news cars and moreover Alonso in his new(old) Renault F1 Team suit.
I don't think they will change the livery...

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 11:26:04 by bpl2008

There's no live feed, no. The website will be updated during the afternoon with the latest news and photos.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 11:27:43 by bpl2008

There's no live feed, no. The website will be updated during the afternoon with the latest news and photos.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 11:28:39 by bpl2008

There's no live feed, no. The website will be updated during the afternoon with the latest news and photos.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 11:33:17 by bpl2008

There's no live feed, no. The website will be updated during the afternoon with the latest news and photos.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 12:02:42 by manuStudio

I see that the site is still full of bugs that multiplies.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 13:03:07 by bpl2008

Bugs are still there, yes, but the developers are working hard guys. Give them a break - it's a big job bringing out such a new site.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 13:12:37 by Victor

@Korrie

I'd say that the ITV people should have the L**** H******* words lobotomised out of their mind, and then they should spend a day with our F1 commentators, to see how it SHOULDN'T be done. Because we've got worse commentators than that twat James Allen.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 13:21:05 by Victor

@Korrie

I'd say that the ITV people should have the L**** H******* words lobotomised out of their mind, and then they should spend a day with our F1 commentators, to see how it SHOULDN'T be done. Because we've got worse commentators than that twat James Allen.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 13:21:57 by Victor

Damn the multiple post bug...

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 13:36:45 by fraggle

welcome back everyone!! woo hoo!! new season let the good times role and thankfully I can get back on here.

And lets get back to the front of the grid and start getting back on that elusive podium. We know we're worthy Champions.

Looking forward to the launch .. but one mystery of last season.

The infamous billy and bobby.

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_n ...

and a fond farewell to a very respected member of staff.. I'm seriously going to miss him and his intellectual wit.

I didn't know he had a double first from Oxford. Now I know why the stuff I always read from the person was so funny, well written and each piece a true gem to read.

I want to say thank you for making Renault F1 what they are.

You will be sorely missed.

p.s.... whatever did happen to that photo of Dave that appeared in the press office with a polite/cheeky request for signing and please keep the others that I sent with it they were meant as reminders of a great time for a very thankful and grateful fan.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 13:44:55 by Victor

Welcome back fraggle, unfortunately you were a bit late with the Pitpass article. I posted the link to it yesterday in the other thread. But yeah, that particular member of staff will be sorely missed by all of us seasoned bloggers.

P.S. Wrote an e-mail to the editor of that article, talking about what life was like on the blog, and he replied saying that he forwarded my e-mail to him, and mentioned hoping that he would like it.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 13:46:00 by Victor

Oh... and he also mentioned that "Bobby" was a person from within the team, which unfortunately has also left in the mean time.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 13:51:08 by fraggle

Thanks Victor.

I'm sure he would love that e-mail about life on the blog

I'm sorry I wasn't here earlier but my pc has had a mental fit over the last couple of months and I've not been able to get to the blog plus I've been quite unwell.

ROC was awesome at Christmas watching Heikki put that move on Schumacher. I wish him fond farewell and good luck at McLaren.

And great welcome back to Alonso. He's been sorely missed.

Not long to the launch now.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 13:57:14 by manuStudio

Hi Fraggle, good to be back again and posting again, I don't think it was your pc that was ill, cause mine and I know many others could not post for many months. It kept asking to register again and again and again. Oh well its good to be back. Oooops 3 minuts before launch...

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 14:02:08 by Victor

Yeah, I had the same problem after I signed out and tried to sign in on my new PC (changed it in early December and was unable to post until the new website opened).

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 14:07:15 by bpl2008

fraggle, my sources tell me that Dave in fact has left the team and is now based in Bahrain... but the next RF1PP should, according to my source, be able to find the pics on the old RF1PP's desk in Enstone...

Sources also tell me, Victor, that he received your email and was very grateful for it!

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 14:41:22 by Niki

Hello everybody!

I'm looking forward to seeing our new car!

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 14:52:59 by Kpangel

Hi everyone,

Good to see so many familiar names on the blog as well as some new ones.

Glad to see Fernando back where he belongs!!

Looking forward to blogging throughout the year.

@Fraggle - will have to meet up again, seems so long since ROC.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 15:22:11 by Witch

She is back, Fraggle is back I'm happy to see you here again!

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 15:32:15 by Victor

Thanks bpl2008, I'm flattered. And it's a really nice feeling seeing all those familliar names back on the blog; I'm not going to give them, they know who they are

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 15:34:21 by Witch

Black stage, four talented drivers & R28...

Elegant Launch Ceremony!

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 16:18:38 by marsiandeneersten

Nice launch.
I hope the season will be as good!

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 16:28:59 by LYCANTHROAT

IS REALLY NICE ! FERNANDO ALONSO IS FINALLY BACK AT HOME ! I CAN'T ASK FOR MORE ! I WISH THE TEAM ALL THE BEST FOR THIS SEASON!

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 17:01:42 by SupaFly

I'm looking FWD to this season and seeing Fernadno and Nelson JR being a real team! I wish you look. Only 44 days till the start of the season.... NOT that i'm counting or anything O_o

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 17:08:53 by sweetkart

Go Fernado go!! Mucha suerte y triunfos!! Magic Alonso is cooming

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 17:09:37 by sweetkart

Go Fernado go!! Mucha suerte y triunfos!! Magic Alonso is cooming

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 18:14:37 by JR2008

Welcome Fraggle, Manu, Victor, Ceren ... and all the olds blogers.
I'm ready for the action¡¡¡¡
Saludos

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 18:15:03 by vicalva

Fernando, only you can put Renault back to the top. We believe in you, show us your magic!

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 18:39:21 by fraggle

woo hoo.. hello ceren, jr, witch, manu, victor, supafly, amc and of course kpangel

and nice to see you to bpl

absolutely right kpangel ROC was ages away. I've already got it sorted to head and see Renaultf1 at two events this summer. BGP is booked and testing is 25-7 Jun for the BGP.

We have new sponsors too - Pepe Jeans?

And I see pvaxx has departed.

Looks good colouring and nice to see the newly launched RS Twingo. I saw the first ever tracked Twingo back in Sept.

@ bpl @ 58 thanks for letting me know. Ah.. well. Never mind was a long shot when I sent them in. Hope Dave is enjoying Bahrain. Jammy fella.

Not long now til Aus.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 18:40:21 by manuStudio

Hi JR2008, welcome back,
This now really looks like a wining team, even those 3rd & reserved drivers are soo cool.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 18:40:34 by fraggle

forgot to mention. World Series by Renault the UK has moved forward by 3 months and switch locations too... Its now at Silverstone and its the first weekend in June, so see you guys there.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 18:41:15 by fraggle

meant to say the UK round of WSR... grr..

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 18:44:24 by Kpangel

@Fraggle -do you have details of the testing calendar for 2008?

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 18:47:20 by amc

bpl2008...can you use your resources to please pass on our very best wishes to the old rf1pp? If your resources catches him in time before he leaves, that is...

Hope to see the name appear elsewhere...it'd be a shame not to be able to enjoy great writing. That's ultimately what kept me coming back for this long, and eventually stay for the team. Testimony of a good PR professional - made passing visitors want to stick around long after he left.

All that's left for me to say right now is, farewell old 'friend', and welcome Nelsinho, Lucas, and the return of Fernando.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 18:54:54 by Korrie

Just seen the piccies of the Renault launch - Fernando looks fantastic!!! Better than the Cyber-McL**** look at their launch last year.

The VERY BEST of luck to ALL the team - I can't wait for the Aussie GP - I'm getting butterflies in my stomach already!

Hope testing before then goes well too.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 19:35:53 by Victor

bpl stands, of course, for B****** P. L***. At least that's what I assume... ami I right? I'm not going to blow the cover if that's the case.

Back to the point... thisis going to be a catch-up year, but when Fernando's evaluation is of a difference of "a second per lap", then we know that the car, in his hands, should be able to fight in the top 10, and should get better over the season, closing the gap to the front-runners who pulled out soooooooo far ahead last year.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 19:50:00 by Witch

'Also I have some ideas for developing the car, some things that I'm sure will improve the car – and hopefully at the end of this pre-season, late February and the beginning of March...' determined words from Ferni! We should trust him Victor, the car in his hands

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php ...

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 20:40:47 by fraggle

@ Kpamgel @ 75

Testing so far I know of this year:
1-3 Feb: Barcelona
12-4 Feb: Jerez (no other tests there at the minute after this date)
19-21 Feb: Barcelona
25-7 Feb: Barcelona
14-6 Apr: Barcelona
12-4 Jun: Barcelona
25-7 Jun: Silverstone (BGP Test)
23-5 Jul: Barcelona
17-9 Nov: Barcelona (1st Winter test)

I don't know about Valencia and I've heard that there's at least another race that might be getting a test session before the race. But this is all I know at the minute.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 21:09:15 by myx4ever

I really hope that the R28 is a match for the Ferraris and McLaren. I wish to see Alonso and Renault champions of the world in 2008

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 21:10:45 by scenic

Kind of revival for the EN blog!!! Nice to see that.
Hopefully all of you will stay in here even if the results don't match what you're expecting...

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 21:41:40 by TOLAVELOZ

SALUDOS, FELICITACIONES POR EL NUEVO VEHICULO SE VE A LEGUAS QUE TIENE UN ALTISIMO NIVEL AERODINAMICO, SE VE QUE ES EL ARMA PERFECTA PARA ALONSO PARA GANAR EL CAMPEONATO, FELICIDADES¡¡¡¡

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 22:27:33 by Witch

Scenic, I know plenty of people who were always here & will be here even if the results don't match our expectations! But you know everybody has different wishes so we'll wait and see...

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 22:30:55 by Amit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l9qFVHpz ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGqAxiASN ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJS8JCl_Y ...

so it begins..

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 22:39:50 by Amit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l9qFVHpz ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGqAxiASN ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJS8JCl_Y ...

so it begins..

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 22:42:19 by sidepodcast

one think missing (unless i'm not looking properly), is an RSS feed for blog entries / comments.

apologies if being impatient.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 22:57:54 by amc

just been catching up on the Renault launch. Pics look great (although I wish the boys would smile more!!) and interviews reminded me of why I love renault so much - the sincerity and honesty is humbling. Nelsinho might be saying all the right things, but I feel the good of Renault is rubbing off onto him, and he seems to be genuinely grounded.

And Fernando...well sincerity cost him a difficult year in 2007, but I'm glad it's back and free where it's appareciated. Straight up, as ever, he spoke some harsh truths today about the car, and the team's chances, which would have been unheard of at other more corporate teams (no names mentioned); so full credit to Renault for letting their drivers breathe and be themselves...and most of all, not gagging them into PR monkeys.

If Fernando and Renault weren't such proven products (and combination), I'd be cynical about them clawing back the difference to Ferrari and McLaren...but I have full faith because it's been done before, and can't wait to see the progress over the next month or two.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 23:10:23 by fraggle

@87 think the site is still warming up

i see the smilies have disappeared.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 23:12:07 by theBlueOrangeLion

I'm back - back and ready! This new site is not bad at all but there was nothing wrong with the old one, a bit like 1993 twingo and 2003 twingo, anyway the launch sounds like fun, the car looks good, Flav looks surreal, Fernie looks happier than last year and Nelson looks like some Brazilian singer, helmet designs are better than ever...

A question to the man in charge - RF1: Are you going to be testing in Jerez 12-14 February and if yes can I take a few pics inside the paddock area??? I'm quite modest and normally behave, not interested in autographs and will keep quiet, it's just the curiosity... Cheers everyone.

Thursday 31 January 2008 at 23:33:40 by Korrie

@ amc
I totally agree with your comments.

Last year Fernando was derided by his OWN team and co-driver for saying that he had given them 0.5 seconds of speed. Well it would be greatly amusing if McB*st**d lost that 0.5 this year!!! And I hope and believe that Ferni will give Renault that extra second that he says is necessary to be competitive.

To anyone who thinks I (and other newcomers to this site)are worried about results - well, yes, I am. However that has not ever stopped me following my favourite driver. I'm not expecting glory and oodles of podium finishes this year - I don't think realistically that anyone is, but I am HOPING for it, and anyway I am SOOO glad that he's gone back to Renault.

Anyway I hope that Heikki mashes LH completely. Although having said that I can imagine the Brit press - "Young Finn succeeds when double world champ didn't" - I can feel my blood pressure rising already...

Friday 1 February 2008 at 01:08:56 by Korrie

@Victor

How could you possibly have a commentator worse than James Allen?! I'm intrigued...

Friday 1 February 2008 at 02:31:59 by amc

hey, is it possible to download the launch podcast like previously? I can only play it in the browser, but don't have time to listen to it. I wanted to download it and listen to it on the train.

Friday 1 February 2008 at 07:27:28 by scenic

amc, i've been looking for that too.
I've found the following link :

http://www.ing-renaultf1.com/en/Ipod.php

You will reach a page listing a series of RF1 podcasts, including the launch one.
Unfortunately, all links there seem to be broken at the moment... (not found on the server blah blah blah)

Friday 1 February 2008 at 09:01:56 by Victor

@Korrie... I'm sorry, but we do have a commentator who is more boring than that twat on ITV. I actually prefer to watch the races on the German channel RTL, even though I don't understand a blind word of what they're blithering on about. Which is probably better... Because one of our commentators is mixing up cars and drivers all the time, his voice is duller than a buzzing bee, and he's constantly blabbing on about Ferrari and our drivers in lower formulae (which is fine, if he doesn't overdo it).

Friday 1 February 2008 at 10:15:51 by scenic

@84: I agree Cer.. oops, I mean Witch, that there was regular and faithfull fans here last year. I'm just happy that there is even more now. Alonso's return is definitely the factor and the hopes are high

Friday 1 February 2008 at 11:03:25 by bpl2008

Victor, be careful of your language above. Otherwise RF1PP will get pretty mad with you...

Friday 1 February 2008 at 11:04:07 by bpl2008

re: 93, give them some time, they have had a stressful few days. The poddie thing will be up and running soon, I have already let them know...

Friday 1 February 2008 at 11:42:31 by Victor

OK... but the problem is that the commentator in question is just like that. Oops.

Friday 1 February 2008 at 11:47:52 by amc

ok, cheers bpl, much appreciated.

Friday 1 February 2008 at 12:43:17 by Witch

'The Pretender' great song choice for our launch. This song goes out to all pretenders who play angel (we know who they are)

'what if I say We're not like the others'

Friday 1 February 2008 at 13:45:02 by Niki

R28 looks really great!

Friday 1 February 2008 at 14:08:21 by amc

hah, funny that witch, 'The Pretender' is one of my favourite songs right now...quite pathetically, it reminds me of Fernando every time, with reference to McLaren! but I guess it could apply to Renault too...

Friday 1 February 2008 at 16:10:17 by Witch

amc, I tried to explain that without giving names. You're absolutely right, it reminds me of Ferni with reference to McLaren too

Friday 1 February 2008 at 22:53:50 by AlwaysProst

@88
I fully agree with you amc, the pair Fernando-Renault will succeed again this year. I am sure that this season, some people at Woking are going to find out that snubbing Fernando was not such a good idea after all

Saturday 2 February 2008 at 09:14:10 by manuStudio

On this picture
http://imagik.fr/view/10936
The yellow car on the top right, what series is that?

Saturday 2 February 2008 at 09:47:39 by Victor

WSR, maybe? Formula Renault, GP2, Megane Trophy, the RB4 and the R28, they're all there.

(Does the WSR car use the same engine as the Megane Trophy one? Just wondering...)

Saturday 2 February 2008 at 10:31:43 by bpl2008

yes it's WSR. and I think the engines are both the 3.5 litre V6, yes.

Saturday 2 February 2008 at 11:31:55 by manuStudio

Thanks guys.

Saturday 2 February 2008 at 15:21:02 by f1angel

I'm still not crazy about the colors, but as long as it can give Fernando podium finishes, then I'm all for it! Go Fernando and Renault!

Saturday 2 February 2008 at 17:05:34 by manuStudio

I'm used to the colors, its cool, its different. But I hope the performance get better and puts a smile on that ING lion's face.

Saturday 2 February 2008 at 17:25:34 by amc

yeah, in all honesty, I still can't get used to the colours. I mean it's at least unusual (as opposed to 'quirky' which the old Renault colour combination was, but of course courtesy of the company we no longer can mention), and rather that than dull...but I'm sorry, I still think of cadbury's cream eggs when I see that colour combination.

Still, if it works, and the car wins, it will seem beatiful to everyone I imagine, including myself probably, I must admit.

Monday 4 February 2008 at 12:19:57 by manuStudio

Interesting, now I read that Renault have signed Sakon Yamamoto as a test driver.
My he'll be doing the road shows.

Monday 4 February 2008 at 13:28:27 by manuStudio

So what will Yamamoto do, look at the car like Zonta did last year? I guess he now comes in cause of Grosjean's success in GP2 and wont have much time for F1 testing maybe.

Monday 4 February 2008 at 21:27:58 by amc

Yes, a massive surprise, but perhaps it's more for commercial reasons mixed in with the fact he has some F1 racing experience, and so it'll come in handy.

Monday 4 February 2008 at 22:33:40 by amc

I just watched a video of the Renault launch, and I thought it was nicely understated.

I was thinking, 'good music choices'....until I had to burst out laughing when the The Killers came on with 'when you were young', and the camera kept focusing on Fernando!

If anyone doesn't know the song, look up the internet for the lyrics and you're see what I'm getting at...

How brilliantly indulgent! lol

Tuesday 5 February 2008 at 13:37:14 by Craig

Hi all,
Great to see the new site, so many new things to check out! Just wanted to say the pic of the R28 at the top of the blog is brill!
Craig

Tuesday 5 February 2008 at 16:02:28 by Witch

amc, we should congratulate the team who chose the songs, guess they spent a lot of time

Wednesday 6 February 2008 at 13:34:43 by manuStudio

Front wing of the R28 vs R27.
http://i26.tinypic.com/34eyfdj.jpg

Wednesday 6 February 2008 at 14:48:56 by manuStudio

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/ne ...

So Renault have a spy, cause we all know that very few people are allowed in the wind tunnel, and now they speak to the press. Lets just hope that new wing is super good,

Friday 8 February 2008 at 16:16:20 by darkangel

I hope that will be the best car in F1 in 2008.

Wednesday 26 March 2008 at 09:58:46 by vtsangarides

This message is for Fernando:
Dearest Champion! We believe in you because as you said in the past "We have made the impossible possible". It seems that we believe in you more than you believe in yourself. You have made people love Renault because of you. You have made our team the No.1 and you have made us love our team more but mostly you have made us love YOU! Don't abandon us now that we need you the most. We have been waiting for you to come back, back to your family, back to the people who love you the most. Don't dissapoint us and don't leave us again, because together we can make again and for good, the impossible possible, we can make you feel again like home, everywhere you are and you can count on us, the Renault people worldwide, that we will always be on your side.
Love, Christina, CYPRUS
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX