Rob White, Renault’s Engine Technical Director talks about the RS25 V10’s historic achievement last Sunday in Imola.

Rob, Fernando’s RS25 became the first modern era F1 engine to win two races on Sunday – how did that accomplishment feel?
Rob White: I was tremendously proud to see the RS25 take its second consecutive win, in difficult circumstances. A result like this is a fantastic reward for all the people back at the factory who have invested so much time, and so much of themselves, to achieve this kind of performance. But as we always say, it is whole car performance that counts – not just one element. We have produced a balanced package this season, exploited it well at the track and the drivers have put it to fantastic use.

Fernando’s race was run with one eye on preserving the engine – can you explain?
RW: As we have said before, running an F1 engine for two consecutive weekends is a considerable challenge, and one we managed to meet in Imola. We assessed the risks involved for Fernando’s engine through the weekend, established a plan for how to run, and then stuck to it. We knew how we needed to use the engine, and Fernando and the engineers did a fantastic job to win the race while controlling any potential problems. The management of the two weekend engine cycle is still very much a learning process, and it is pleasing to have anticipated and implemented the correct solutions.

Finally, both drivers will use a B spec engine in Barcelona after it debuted in Imola – how did that go?
RW: We were pleased to have been able to introduce the B spec engine early after a great effort from all the team to approve and build a unit for Giancarlo in time for Imola. The weekend was incident free for the unit, although Fisico’s race was of course marred by other troubles; we are looking forward to seeing both drivers get their hands on the new specification in Barcelona and having the opportunity to show its full potential.