Renault Sport Formula One Team launched its 2017 challenger - the R.S.17 - at a showcase event in front of international media and team partners, in London, U.K. on 21st February 2017. Powered by Renault Sport Racing's R.E.17 power unit, the R.S.17 has no carry-over parts from the R.S.16. The team has worked from a clean sheet of paper in response to Formula One's latest regulations. It is also the first F1 car designed from the outset by Renault Sport Racing from its two locations in Enstone, U.K. and Viry-Chatillon, France.
Present at the launch were Thierry Koskas, Groupe Renault Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing; Jerome Stoll, President; and Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director of Renault Sport Racing; as well as Renault Sport Formula One Team's senior management and drivers; and Alain Prost as Renault Sport Racing Special Advisor. The R.S.17 was unveiled, with the hashtag #RS17Launch, by race drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Jolyon Palmer while third and reserve driver Sergey Sirotkin was also announced.
The 2017 Renault Sport Academy lineup was also confirmed, with Jack Aitken, Max Fewtrell, Jarno Opmeer and Sun Yue Yang all being supported by Renault Sport Racing through their 2017 seasons. Aitken will contest the GP3 Series while Fewtrell, Opmeer and Sun will contest the Formula Renault Eurocup in a historic-high 30-car grid.
