Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, Renault
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*** Sir Frank Williams and Renault Sport F1 president Bernard Rey - Click above for high-res image***
That the Williams F1 team isn’t quite up to its old form is no news. But back in its heyday, it was a force to be reckoned with, and then some. The team has seven drivers’ championships and nine constructors’ titles to its name - several of which came under Ford (2 and 2) and Honda (1 and 2) power. But far and away its best results were powered by Renault, with which it secured four drivers’ and five constructors’ championships.
The team’s fortunes have declined sharply since then, switching to BMW power, then Cosworth and on to Toyota before switching back to Cosworth again. But the latest announcement brings Williams and Renault back together, the French company once again supplying Williams with its F1 engines.
The deal isn’t all about nostalgia, however, and comes as Renault scales back its direct involvement in any particular team - selling much of its stake in its own team to Genii Capital and Lotus - in favor of its traditional engine-supplier role. Renault’s engines powered Red Bull to both titles last year, which they are well on their way to defending again this season.
That’s power that Williams is evidently glad to get on its side again, leaving the lackluster Cosworth engines to the back-markers as it vies to regain the winning form it enjoyed in the days of Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. Details in the press release after the jump.Continue reading Williams F1 returns to Renault power
Williams F1 returns to Renault power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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