Renault Targeting Endurance Races for RS 01

Photo: Renault

While specifically built for a new one-make series, the Renault RS 01 could have a presence in endurance racing, as the car is being proposed to compete in the 24H Series later this year. (En Français)

Launched at the Moscow Auto Show in August, the French sports car will make its debut in this year’s World Series by Renault weekends.

However, according to Renault representative Lucien Monte, there’s a push to see the Dallara-built car, featuring a Nissan-based 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 compete in various endurance races around the world, including Creventic’s 24H Series.

“Renault and its car owners want to contest endurance races with the car,” Monte told Endurance-Info. “Nothing is finalized but discussions are underway with Gerrie Willems and Ivo Breukers [of Creventic]. Teams would love to participate in the 24 Hours of Paul Ricard in July.”

Monte, who also serves as the ACO’s LMP3 project coordinator, was in Dubai last weekend to discuss the possibilities with the newly FIA-recognized international championship. However, there’s still discussion on where the car could be placed in the 24H Series.

He said Creventic considers the car, which has performance levels between DTM and GT3, as a silhouette, therefore not being eligible for the GT3-based A6 class, but rather SP2.

While a final decision has not yet been made, progress continues in the launch of the one-make championship, with the goal of having 20 cars on the grid for the season-opener.

“After the Vallelunga test, almost ten cars have already been sold,” Monte said. “Renault offers an attractive solution to fund a second car with the possibility of renting a car that could be purchased by the end of the season.”

The Gentleman class champion will receive a seat in a Nissan-powered LMP2 car in next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, while the Pro champion will be awarded a test in a Nissan Super GT car.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John