valve gear also boasted common rail fuel injection and much-revised water cooling through the cylinder head reducing the likelihood of pre-ignition (detonation).

It is claimed that the Renault EF15B in its pinnacle increment produced in excess of 1000 HP at unrestricted boost pressure, thus making it one of the most powerful engines ever used in Formula 1 history.

[6] Other notable innovations of the 98T included a two-stage ride height adjustment, water injection through the intercoolers, an early form of barge board (also present on the 97T), and an advanced (for the time) fuel consumption microcomputer.

The team bowed to Senna's first demand, but signed Johnny Dumfries rather than Gugelmin, as long-time sponsor John Player reportedly wanted a British driver.

As part of the deal, the team signed Honda's official test driver, Satoru Nakajima, as Senna's teammate for 1987.

John Player, still wanting a British driver in the team, subsequently pulled its sponsorship, to be replaced by another cigarette brand, Camel.