Formula One Renault F1 R31 _ A unique Show car

The Renault F1 R31 show car is a one-off, officially certified Formula 1 display car in the legendary JPS yellow and black Lotus-era livery. Under the R31 bodywork sits a genuine Renault R23 chassis raced by Fernando Alonso in 2003.

The Story

The car is a full-scale representation of the 2011 season Renault R31, driven that year by Vitaly Petrov, Nick Heidfeld and (from Spa) Bruno Senna. Petrov finished 10th, Heidfeld 11th, and Renault took 5th in the Constructors' Championship. Where this show car gets interesting is what sits under the R31 skin: the Renault R23 chassis, number R23-06, that ran three Grands Prix in 2003 with Fernando Alonso at the wheel: Monza, Indianapolis and Suzuka. That season, in the sister R23, Alonso took his first F1 win at Hungary and the works team began the climb to the back-to-back world titles that followed in 2005 and 2006. This car joined the Renault Classic collection in 2016 and is certified by both the Renault F1 team and Artcurial.

Performance

The R31 was the last F1 Renault to run the V8 engine: a 2.4L RS27 naturally-aspirated eight, revving to 18,000 rpm and delivering around 750 hp, mated to a seven-speed carbon semi-automatic gearbox and blown-diffuser aerodynamics that defined the 2011 grid. The R23 chassis underneath is a period 2003 carbon-composite monocoque. The car retains the aerodynamics of the R31, the JPS colour split (yellow with black accents), and the front and rear wing detailing of the 2011 season.

Specifications

• Type: Official show car, one of one
• Bodywork: Renault F1 R31, 2011 season
• Chassis: Renault F1 R23, chassis R23-06 (raced by Alonso in 2003)
• Livery: JPS yellow and black
• Certification: Renault F1 team, Artcurial
• Provenance: Renault Classic collection since 2016
• Condition: Very good embellishing condition
• Photography: Mathieu Bonnevie

Discover the full Formula 1 Memorabilia collection at TheArsenale.