In its second season in the top series, the French team Renault Sport confirms the RS01 single-seater, without significant changes compared to the previous year. The only modifications concern some technical refinements, mainly aimed at improving the reliability of the Renault-Gordini EF1 V6 Turbo engine, which was a true innovation for the car but also a source of numerous problems during its early appearances in 1977. The technical team, composed of Françoise Castaing, André de Costanze, and Marcel Hubert, works intensively to make the project more competitive.
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| RENAULT RS01, Jean-Pierre Jabouille Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1978 |
For 1978, Renault continues to use Michelin radial tires, the only team alongside Ferrari to do so in the championship. The chassis remains unchanged, as does the 2,490 mm wheelbase, but the main issue remains the car’s weight: at 615 kg, the RS01 is about 40 kg heavier than the Ferrari, a factor that hampers its performance in races. In terms of aerodynamics, the car retains the front-end design and cockpit configuration while introducing longer side pods and beginning to experiment with a partial fairing for the V6 Turbo, featuring a hint of an engine cover.
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| RENAULT RS01, Jean-Pierre Jabouille Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1978 |
The 1978 season once again sees driver-engineer Jean-Pierre Jabouille at the wheel of the RS01, but it does not bring significant improvements compared to its debut the previous year. After missing the first two races of the championship, Renault suffers two consecutive retirements. However, at the Monaco Grand Prix, the RS01 finally reaches the finish line for the first time in a world championship race.
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| RENAULT RS01, Jean-Pierre Jabouille Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1978 |
The rest of the season is characterized by an endless series of mechanical problems, mostly related to the turbo engine, which forces the team to retire from numerous races. A glimmer of hope comes at the United States Grand Prix East, at the Watkins Glen circuit, where Jabouille secures a valuable fourth place, earning Renault its first-ever Formula 1 points.
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| RENAULT RS01, Jean-Pierre Jabouille Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1978 |
Despite the difficulties, the RS01 demonstrates interesting speed potential, frequently recording the highest top speeds and qualifying multiple times in the top ten. The team also secures two starts from third place on the grid, a sign of the turbo project’s potential, though still in its infancy. Renault finishes the championship with 3 points, placing twelfth in the Constructors' Championship. However, the progress made lays the foundation for the future success of turbo technology in Formula 1.
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