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Engine boost for Renault

Friday 12 December 2008 14:52, UK

Image: Engine boost: Renault's Fernando Alonso

Renault have received a boost after rival teams agreed they could make changes to improve the performance of their engine.

Regie allowed to improve their engine ahead of next season

Renault have received a boost ahead of the 2009 season after rival Formula One teams agreed they could make changes to improve the performance of their engine. Although 2008 marked the beginning of a five-year freeze in engine development, Renault's unit lost out notably in performance relative to others as the season progressed. There have been suspicions that changes allowed to improve engine reliability have also improved performance in some cases. The situation was highlighted by the performance of Toro Rosso, whose Ferrari-powered car outraced the Renault-powered Red Bull - both teams using essentially the same chassis. However, with Renault fearing the engine freeze would leave them disadvantaged for several seasons, the FIA announced on Friday that they would be allowed to bridge the gap. An FIA statement read: "Unanimous agreement was reached on a list of proposed changes to the Renault engine for 2009; all other engines will remain unchanged. Comparative testing will not be necessary."

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