Renault debuted at the British Grand Prix in 1977. Jean Pierre Jabouille gave them their first win at the French Grand Prix in 1979. They hired Alain Prost in 1982, had four wins in 1983 to come second in the Constructors' Championship but Renault withdrew in 1986 from F1, returning in 1989 as an engine supplier to Williams. The partnership saw Williams and Renault win all Constructors' Championships between 1992 and 1997. They pulled out in 1998 again but, in 2002, Benetton were renamed Renault and the team have been up there or thereabouts ever since.

Jacques Villeneuve returns for the last three races - before moving on to Sauber - and the Canadian is relishing the chance to help Renault overtake his former BAR team for second place in the Constructors' Championship. 'It's the reason I've been hired and I'll do all I can,' said the 1997 world champion. He replaces Jarno Trulli, who has moved to big-budget Toyota for next season. Trulli was overshadowed by Fernando Alonso, who debuted with Minardi in 1997, won his first podium finish in 1999 when he came second in the European Grand Prix with Alain Prost, though his career has been dogged by retirements.

Alonso became Renault's test driver in 2002, had his greatest moment when winning in Hungary last season, lapping Schumacher. Spain's biggest talent, Alonso looks set to join the likes of Kimi Raikkonen in dominating F1 into the next decade.