The Renault F1 R25 will sport a new look when it hits the track for first practice on Friday morning at its home race.

The Renault team has given creativity free rein across the car, as the ‘Phoenix' design soars from the sidepods and engine cover of the R25. Conceived by DEM Inc., the Taiwanese design agency headed by Demos and Edward Chiang, the Phoenix design is inspired by the bird's status as Guardian Creature in Chinese mythology. The phoenix protected the Emperor on the field of battle, and has been conceived to convey the same power to the team's drivers throughout the race weekend. The design expresses the characteristics of power, speed and leadership central to the Renault F1 Team – and will give the cars a distinctive, dynamic appearance for the 2005 French Grand Prix.

Closer to home, both R25's will sport ‘Paris 2012' branding in support of the city's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games. Renault is an official partner of the French bid to host this sporting extravaganza, and the ‘Paris 2012' logo will run on the bodywork of both Renault F1 Team race-cars ahead of the announcement of the winning city by the IOC on July 6.

Renault will also welcome 6,000 employees from across the country to the race, filling two grandstands around the Magny-Cours circuit. These guests will have the opportunity to enjoy, among other exhibitions, a static display of Renault's sporting and F1 heritage including past race winners from the marque.