Rewind a couple of years to the Formula 1 season of 1989, and it was the beginning of a nine year deal between these Renault and Williams. Together they went on to notch up 63 race wins and in the process won themselves four driver and five constructor championships.
Now, Renault Sport F1 and Williams F1 have confirmed that they have signed a deal that includes a “long-term chassis-engine partnership”. Part of this deal includes Renault Sport F1 – the F1 division of Renault – supplying AT&T Williams with its V8 engines for both the 2012 and 2013 Formula 1 seasons. Considering that Renault F1 engines won the championship in 2005, 2006 and 2010, this partnership could possibly lead to very rosy results.
According to the media release the companies might continue this relationship even after 2013 when the new turbocharged V6 engines are introduced in 2014. Interestingly enough, the last time these two company’s started campaigning together in Formula 1, they used a naturally aspirated 3,5-litre V10 engine. Currently naturally aspirated V8 engines are used followed by the return of turbocharging in 2014.
Renault Sport F1 president, Bernard Rey, said the following regarding the new partnership: “Renault remains in Formula 1 to achieve success in a cost efficient way and the partnership with Williams has great potential to add to the results we have notched up over recent years with our other partner teams. Williams has recently taken several important steps, both commercially and technically, to update its operations and we feel that this partnership is another important step in its rigorous plan. It reiterates how determined the team is to achieve results, which matches perfectly with our own objectives.
“Of course there’s also a great pride in reviving the Williams-Renault name. Together, we produced racing cars that are recognised for their technical innovation and it is still Renault’s most successful period in F1 to date. It’s a hugely exciting opportunity for both Renault and Williams.”
Nigel Mansell was one of the four drivers to help this partnership achieve its four driver’s titles. The others included racers Alain Prost (1993), Damon Hill (1996) and Jacques Villeneuve (1997).
Have a look at the video above (click on the icon above the picture) to see Nigel Mansell battles behind Ayrton Senna at the 1992 Grand Prix at Hockenheim.
