Renault RS01
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| Category | Formula One | ||||||||
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| Constructor | Renault | ||||||||
| Designer(s) |
André de Cortanze Jean-Pierre Jabouille |
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| Successor | RS10 | ||||||||
| Technical specifications | |||||||||
| Chassis | Aluminium monocoque | ||||||||
| Engine | Renault-Gordini EF1 1,496 cc (91.3 cu in), 90° V6, turbocharged, mid-engine, longitudinally mounted | ||||||||
| Transmission | manual | ||||||||
| Fuel | Elf | ||||||||
| Tyres | Michelin | ||||||||
| Competition history | |||||||||
| Notable entrants | Equipe Renault Elf | ||||||||
| Notable drivers | 15.  Jean-Pierre Jabouille16. René Arnoux
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| Debut | 1977 British Grand Prix | ||||||||
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| Constructors' Championships | 0 | ||||||||
| Drivers' Championships | 0 | ||||||||
The Renault RS01 was the first Formula One car to be powered by a turbocharged engine. It was also the first to use radial tires, which were provided by Michelin. Designed by André de Cortanze and Jean-Pierre Jabouille, it first appeared at the 1977 British Grand Prix. The rules of F1 at the time permitted 3.0 litre engines of natural aspiration, with a clause for a 1.5 litre supercharged or turbocharged engine. None of the teams had pursued this avenue, and stuck to Ford Cosworth DFV engines, whilst Ferrari, Matra and Alfa Romeo concentrated on developing Flat-12 engines for their cars, and their customer teams of Ligier and Brabham. Leading French car manufacturer Renault decided to develop a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine, and a car to accompany the powerplant.
Team Lotus had introduced ground effect with the Lotus 78, while Tyrrell were using the six wheeled Tyrrell P34. Renault continued the innovatory path with their car, drawing on the knowledge gained from their turbocharged 2.0L V6 engine used in Sports car racing which culminated in finishing 2nd at Le Mans in 1977 and winning in 1978, proving that Renault's turbocharged engines could not only be powerful, but reliable.
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