In 2002, it was time for a new challenge. After a preparatory season of engine development, the former Benetton team became a 100% Renault F1 Team, with the same thirst for innovation as in previous eras. Sporting new blue and yellow colours, the R202 was driven by Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button.

After 17 races, only Ferrari, Williams and McLaren had outperformed the French team, which scored twice as many points as Benetton had managed the previous year. 2003 saw the arrival of a young hope, Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard demonstrated his talent by scoring points in 11 races, and winning his first race in Budapest.

The team climbed to third in the table. From 10 points in 2001 and 23 in 2002, an 88-point haul marked a serious rate of progress. But they didn't stop there. The 2004 season saw the team out-score its previous mark as it once again finished third in the title race; then 2005 signalled the real coming of age.

The team took seven wins, with Fernando Alonso becoming the youngest world champion in history with two races remaining. Renault F1 Team then secured the Constructors´ crown at the final race in China for good measure. Even more impressively, the team once again emerged on top after a thrilling 2006 season.

After that Fernando Alonso left for McLaren and came back just one year later. In 2009 Renault was involved in the so called 'crashgate' scandal. After the season Renault sold sold a large stake in the team to Luxembourg company Genii Capital.