Renault UK unveiled its new-for-2004 Formula Renault UK Championship car at Birmingham’s NEC last week, as part of the annual Autosport International show, amidst high praise from the press, teams, drivers and members of the public.

The car, which features a revised aerodynamic package and an upgrade to the 2-litre  Renault engine, was displayed as part of a joint ELF/Hill House Hammond/Renault/Super One Karting stand to underline Renault UK’s direct link with the country’s premier karting series of which the manufacturer is now a headline sponsor.

Along with impressive changes to the bodywork of the car – including fully revised sidepods and uprated front and rear diffusers – the engine has been boosted with a new air box with power now said to be around the 192bhp mark.

Speaking on the 2004 revisions, Paston Racing’s Rod Blow said: “I’m very impressed with the new car and I think it really adds some extra spice into the championship. It makes the car look much similar to something in Formula One which will be a major attraction for drivers aiming to move through the ranks of single-seater racing.

“The aerodynamic package is very impressive and it’s also great news engine power has been boosted. Championships continually need to move forward and Renault looks to be doing a very good job with the new 2004 revisions. It’ll be very interesting to see the difference in lap times when we start testing the cars.”

Formula Renault UK Championship teams will begin receive the upgrade kits in February with pre-season testing scheduled to begin in March.

In addition, 2003 Formula Renault UK Winter Champion Jay Howard (Basildon, Essex) received his championship trophy at Autosport International, the presentation made by 1995 Formula Renault UK Champion and 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours winner Guy Smith (Hull).

Click here for the Official Formula Renault web site - designed and built by Racecar