Codemasters continues to reveal the classic machines included in F1 2017 with over one month remaining on the clock. The ninth addition to the classic roster flashes back to the winning ways of Renault in the V8 era.
The iconic championship-winning Renault joins the likes of the Williams FW14B and FW18; Ferrari 412 T2, F2002, F2004 and F2007; Red Bull RB6, and the McLaren MP4/4. With grooved tires, traction control and a tuned mass damper, the R26 represents a very different time of the sport.
Driven by the team of Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella, the Mild Seven-liveried R26 dominated the 2006 F1 season. Over the season’s duration the R26 won 8 races out of 18, set five fastest lap records, and sat on pole position seven times.
In addition to winning more races, the R26 led more laps than any other car on the grid. Designed by Bob Bell, the Renault gets its power from a Renault RS26 2.4-liter V8 engine. Notable for its reliability, the R26-03 driven by Fernando Alonso ran the entire season without being replaced.
Eventually leading rival Ferrari’s 248 F1 by five points, the R26 claimed Renault’s second Constructors’ Championship, and Alonso’s second Drivers’ Championship in succession. While the real car sits in Renault’s “Histoire et Collection” heritage collection, players can run the virtual car ragged.
It doesn’t end here, there are three more classic chassis reveals remaining over the coming weeks. Codemasters ensures the classic chassis will be better utilized this time around, unlike the prior incarnation of the idea.
While not competing directly, the classic cars will be on the track alongside the 2017 spec cars in a form of multi-class racing. Players will finally have the chance to experience the sport’s evolution while on track.
F1 2017 will kick off a busy racing game season when it releases August 25 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC platforms.
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