09/05/2005
NEWS STORY
 |
Despite its achievements in F1, both as a racing team, and engine supplier, Renault never fully exploited its achievements.
Having (virtually) introduced the turbocharger to F1, a move that was to radically change the sport, the French outfit went on to dominate the early nineties as engine supplier to Williams and Benetton, providing the winning power-plant for six successive Constructors' Championships between 1992 and 1997.
When Renault opted to return to F1, buying out Benetton in 2000, it vowed that this time it would capitalize on its success.
With the flamboyant Flavio Briatore at the helm, the French outfit is guaranteed publicity, however, it is its fan-friendly attitude that is really winning over the people, not merely to Renault but to F1.
Sunday's scenes at Barcelona, with the crowd cheering for its hero, Fernando Alonso, were every bit as stirring as the roar of the Tifosi at Monza and Imola, however this is not merely down to the 'sudden' success of the youngster.
Not that long ago, F1 race in Spain organizers had trouble giving tickets away to locals, seemingly interested only in football and two-wheeled motorsport. Sunday's race was a sell-out, with the partisan crowd singing its heart out and clearly having the time of its life.
In August 2004 we reported that F1 viewing figures in Spain were bucking the global trend, increasing, and that although much of this was down to the 'Nano effect', full credit had to go to Renault which underwrote much of the cost of broadcasting F1 in Spain, a country which had previously appeared to turn its back on the sport.
The singing, the flags and the banners, not to mention the sea of Renault merchandise, that we witnessed at the weekend, appears to indicate that Renault's positive promotion of both itself and F1 has worked, certainly in Spain.
Congratulations.