Prior to the start of the 2013 Formula 1 season, Australian Formula 1 sensation Mark Webber has hit the track at Sandown Raceway in Renault’s all-new Clio RS 200.
The high-performance, left-hand-drive Clio RS 200 is the first example to arrive in Australia and was flown-in especially for the Australian Grand Prix. The stunning hatchback, which went on sale in Europe in February, will enter Australian showrooms in early 2014.
The new Renault Sport Clio bristles with unique features, many of which have been taken from Renault’s extensive Formula 1 expertise. These include the car’s highly-responsive dual-clutch transmission, clever R.S. Monitor telemetry, simple-to-operate launch control system and feisty 1.6-litre turbo-charged engine, a very similar version of which will be introduced in F1 from 2014.
In this year’s Formula 1 world championship, Mark Webber will continue to drive for Infiniti Red Bull Racing. The team’s leading-edge RB9 racer is powered by a Renault Sport F1 engine, the same power source that has propelled the team to world championship success in the previous three seasons.
“Renault power and Mark Webber go hand-in-hand,” said Justin Hocevar, Managing Director Renault Australia. “Watching one of the world’s greatest drivers putting our latest hot hatch through its paces was a great way to start the Australian Grand Prix weekend.”
Mark Webber equally enjoyed experiencing the new Clio RS at Sandown Raceway.
“My first test in Formula 1 was with a Renault engine. I’ve achieved all my wins, all my podiums and all my pole positions with Renault engines.
“To have the new Clio RS down here is a real privilege. The Clio RS is nimble, light and powerful. It’s nice to see how much grip the car has got and how awesome it is on the brakes.”