Renault R25

Constructor
renault
Years
2005–2005
Designers
Bob Bell, Pat Symonds, James Allison, Tim Densham, Dino Toso
Engine
Renault RS25 V10
Configuration
72-degree V10, 2998 cc, naturally aspirated
Power
850 bhp (800-900 bhp at 19,000 rpm)
Chassis
carbon-fibre monocoque
Gearbox
Renault 6-speed sequential semi-automatic
Suspension
Pushrod-activated torsion bars front and rear, plus a tuned mass damper in the nose from late 2005
Brakes
carbon disc
Weight
605 kg
Wheelbase
3100 mm
Tyres
Michelin
Races
19
Wins
8
Poles
7
Drivers' titles
1
Constructors' titles
1
Specification confidence
high

A well-balanced car on Michelins, plus a weight on a spring in the nose to stop the front tyres skipping over bumps

The tuned mass damper: a sprung mass in the nose oscillating out of phase with the front suspension, keeping the tyres in contact with the road

The mass damper was worth about three tenths of a second and was completely legal until the FIA decided in 2006 that a mass that is not rigidly attached counts as a movable aerodynamic device. Renault won the 2005 titles and broke a run of five consecutive Ferrari championships doing it.

19 races, 8 wins, 7 poles. Alonso's first title, at 24 the youngest champion to that point, and Renault's first constructors' championship.