F1Weekly podcast # 718

CLARK AND NASIR ARE STILL REMINISCING ON THE 2016 RACING SEASON SAYING GOODBYE TO BERNIE AND SHARING THEIR HOPE ON A POSSIBLY GREAT 2017 F1 SEASON. WE HAVE TECH TALK WITH TIM!! AND…CLARK IS ALSO EXCITED ABOUT RENAULT ENTERING FOUR R8 GORDINI’S IN THE 2017 RALLYE MONTE CARLO HISTORIQUE!!

Barcelona, January 25, 2017 – Renault today announced it will take part in the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique 2017 involving four teams at the wheel of Renault 8 Gordinis:

• Team n°5: Manu Guigou / Jean-Pierre Prevot
• Team n°8: Jean Ragnotti / Sebastien Delanney
• Team n°12: Michel Leclere / Michel Duvernay
• Team n°14: Guillaume Chancel / François-Paul Forgeoux

The Renault 8 Gordini, a legend!

Few cars can have made such an impact during their time as the Renault 8 Gordini, prompting Renault to enter Renault 8 Gordinis in this competition. This was one the most popular sports models ever made by Renault, offering a top speed of 175 km/h at a very affordable price.

The Renault 8 Gordini appeared in 1964 to open up the thrill of sports driving to a whole generation. Though the “Gorde”, as it was affectionately known, was based on the Renault 8 Major, racetrack modifications at the hand of wizard Amédée Gordini left it largely unrecognisable.

Nothing was done halfway: the original model’s sensible engine was transfigured to squeeze out almost twice the power, with changes like a new cylinder head and two splendid Weber carburetors. Then the suspension, steering, brakes and equipment were upgraded to achieve a the top speed of 175 km/h. Visual signs of this remarkable sporting aptitude included round instrument dials and a smart blue finish with white stripes. The 1108 cc engine of the initial release gave way to a 1255 cc unit with the 1966 facelift, which also brought in the tell-tale dual headlamps. The Gordini Cup, introduced the same year, went a long way to developing the Renault 8 Gordini myth, consolidating its reputation with an impressive list of racing honours. Many racing drivers learned their craft at the wheel of a Renault 8 Gordini, and hold very fond memories of it. In 1970, the great little Renault 8 Gordini finally gave way to a Renault 12 model bearing the same name.

The four Renault 8 Gordinis entered by Renault are equipped with Michelin X M + S 89 tyres of dimensions 135X15 which have already proved their efficiency in previous editions.

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