Here at Startin Renault Worcester we’re huge motorsport fans, and seeing as the new Formula 1 season is right around the corner, Renault’s sister brand Alpine have recently launched the A521, their challenger for the upcoming season.
The A521 boasts a striking livery of blue, white and red which is synonymous to Alpine’s heritage and pedigree in motorsports. The car will be powered by the Renault E-Tech 20B 1.6L V6 hybrid engine power unit, designed and developed in Viry-Châtillon, marking 45 years of unbroken F1 activity for the manufacturer. The technology from this power unit trickles down into Renault’s road car division with the release of the new Renault Clio and Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid which deliver lively acceleration, very low fuel consumption around town and unequalled versatility.
The A521 is an evolution of the Renault R.S.20, which competed in the 2020 championship. In line with the regulatory changes agreed last year in response to the global pandemic, the main structural elements of the A521 are a carry-over from last season. However, Alpine have developed and improved every part that has not been homologated, especially the back of the car where additional changes to the Aerodynamic regulations were imposed by the FIA, the motorsport regulating body.
Alpine F1 Team’s first challenger will be handed to drivers Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso. Fernando returns to Formula 1 following a two-year break, re-joining the outfit with which he claimed his two Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championships in 2005 and 2006 when it was formally known as Renault. Esteban who enters his second year with the team will look to build on a strong 2020 campaign which saw the 24-year-old score his first ever podium in Formula 1 at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. He begins his fourth full season in the sport since making his debut in August 2016.
Pre-season testing takes place this week in Bahrain, and with the season officially commencing on 28th March, we hope you will join us in cheering on the team!