The RS01 was conceived alongside Renault's effort to build a turbocharged Le Mans winning car.

Jean-Pierre Jabouille with his engineering degree, mechanical aptitude and driving skill was hired to run Renault's F1 program in 1977.

At the Monaco Grand Prix a second car became available for René Arnoux and twin turbochargers were used for the first time.

Through the final eight races of the season the RS10 scored five poles and one memorable home win at the 1979 French Grand Prix at Dijon-Prenois.

Ferrari and Brabham (using BMW engines) quickly put together a turbo program in the 1980s, soon to be joined by the likes of McLaren (TAG-Porsche) and Williams (Honda).

In an attempt to limit soaring engine power outputs (by 1986, the 4cyl BMW engine was reportedly producing around 1,400 hp (1,044 kW) in qualifying, with the Renault's output quoted at around 1,300 hp (969 kW)), and the escalating costs of research and development, turbo boost was severely limited to 4.0 Bar in 1987 and 2.5 Bar in 1988, before turbos were banned from 1989.