Renault Returns

Less than two years after its withdrawal from Formula One, Renault is to return next year as an engine supplier to one of its arch-enemies of old, Williams, which will have exclusive use for 1989.

A 3.5-litre 67-degree V10 unit, designed by Bernard Dudot, has already been tested prior to the signing of a three-year contract between the Regie and Frank Williams, who is delighted to be linked once more to a major manufacturer after problems with Judd engines.

Renault raced its 1.5-litre V6 turbo in Grands Prix from 1977 to 1985, and also supplied the Lotus, Ligier and Tyrrell teams up to the end of the following season, amassing a total of twenty victories.

In its final form, the V6 used a lightweight pneumatic system to close the valves, instead of springs, and this will be carried over to the V10.