Renault India has unveiled its open-wheel race car that will enter the 2012 MRF challenge- a 10-round championship. The first round of this series will take place over the weekend at the Buddh International Circuit as a support race for the 2012 Indian F1 Grand Prix. The Renault branded cars will be driven by Jon Lancaster and Alice Powell both professional race car drivers from the UK and formers participants in the Formula Renault championship.
The MRF series will see 20 racers from various nationalities competing for top honours in identical cars. Renault is the official engine supplier for the championship and the all the car are powered by 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines producing 210bhp and 220Nm of torque.
Commenting on Renault’s entry into the championship, Marc Nassif, managing director, Renault India said, “Renault’s 35-year association with Formula One racing has seen us design and produce some of the best powertrains that demonstrate our strong commitment to quality and innovation. Motor racing is in Renault’s DNA and with this championship Renault India will for the first time support motor racing in India both as an engine supplier for the championship as well as supporting two teams.”
Renault has a long association with motor sports and is the engine supplier for the defending F1 champions-Red Bull Racing. The initiative by Renault to participate in the MRF challenge is a much needed boost for the Indian motorsports scene and will surely benefit it in the long run.
The unveiling event was also attended by Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber who took winners of the Renault contest ‘Ticket to Formula 1’ for hot laps around a specially designed track in the Pulse and the Scala.
