Great Read: Renault blew it! F1's turbo pioneer that failed Prost

The squandered advantage  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ View in browser View in browser ARTICLES MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE DATABASE SUBSCRIBE ARCHIVE Great Read: They blew it! Renault's pioneering F1 turbo that failed Prost January 2001 | Mark Hughes Renault will no longer produce its own Formula 1 engine from 2026 — the end of a chapter for one of racing's innovators. More than 40 years ago, it pioneered turbocharging in F1 and this brave move should have reaped dividends. Instead, these fell to the latecomers. In today's Great Read, Mark Hughes tells a story of frustration and innovation Jean-Pierre Jabouille took up his pole position slot at Dijon 1979. The sun glinted off the yellow bodywork, and as he looked in his mirrors he saw heat haze rising from the burbling V6, that crazy engine that was about to change the face of racing. He was in the 'zone', that perfect feeling of invincibility only ever granted a favoured handful of sportsmen. "I looked in the eyes of those around me," he says, "people from the team and from Elf. All I saw was pressure, worry. But I didn't feel any of that, I was at a different place. I knew I couldn't lose." READ MORE PHOTO: GRAND PRIX PHOTO CAR FOR SALE ADVERTISEMENT The ex-Roy Salvadori 1950 Jaguar XK120 Period Competition Roadster 'Give me Goodwood on a summer's day and you can keep the rest' - Roy Salvadori, race winner at Goodwood and owner of this very car in 1952, bringing a present-day context to Salvadori's famous remark. Sold to fellow racer Peter Blond in 1952, becoming his first racing car and companion to Blond on many adventures. Acquired by JD Classics from long term ownership in 2008 and subject of an exhaustive restoration to concours standards while being simultaneously race prepared, with photo record on file. Raced at the Le Mans Classic and participant in the famous Mille Miglia on no less than five occasions, the first being as a works Jaguar entry, piloted by David Gandy and Yasmin Le Bon. Price: £POA.  Status: UK Registered.  Chassis Number: 660363 ENQUIRE F1 James Elson Teapots, turbos and titles: Renault's wild F1 ride Renault will cease making Formula 1 engines after more than four decades that have seen innovation, domination, but all-too-frequent failures READ MORE AUTHOR Matt Bishop Sardinia's 'Superprix': When F3000 rocked the streets of Cagliari In 2003, Matt Bishop travelled to Sardinia to cover a Euro Formula 3000 race held on Cagliari roads – an intriguing event which added to the chequered history of Italian street circuits READ MORE AUTHOR Matt Bishop Sardinia's 'Superprix': When F3000 rocked the streets of Cagliari In 2003, Matt Bishop travelled to Sardinia to cover a Euro Formula 3000 race held on Cagliari roads – an intriguing event which added to the chequered history of Italian street circuits READ MORE Best Selling Explore our top-selling products, specially selected for Motor Sport enthusiasts like you. Racing Green Motor Sport Binder BUY NOW F1 World Champions Cars Poster (1950-2023) BUY NOW Motor Sport Foldable Golf Umbrella + Subscription BUY NOW Wireless Earphones Motor Sport BUY NOW Four-piece Motor Sport Drinks Coaster Set BUY NOW Flask Bottle Motor Sport BUY NOW Connect with us We're also available on Update your preferences Control your Motor Sport experience by selecting the content you wish to receive and stay up to date. UPDATE NOW Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy Motor Sport Magazine, 18-20 Rosemont Road, London, NW3 6NE  Company no. 05471049, Vat no. 871 544 60