'Spectacular' Alonso show run food for thought for F1 - Wolff

40

Toto Wolff believes Formula 1 may have a few things to take away from Fernando Alonso's "spectacular" show run onboard a 2005-spec Renault last weekend in Abu Dhabi.

To celebrate Renault's transition to Alpina in F1 next season, the French manufacturer rolled out its 2005 championship winning R25 at Yas Marina, with Alonso manhandling the glorious sounding V10-powered machine during three separate runs that captivated the audience.

The sight and sound of the wailing nimble machine was a window into a bygone era of Formula 1, and perhaps some food for thought for F1.

"The car with the V10 engine, on the one side is a relic of the past when reducing CO2 emissions wasn't on the cards, and electric mobility didn't exist," Wolff said.

"We're just moving into a new era, and that also means making compromises. But I agree that the car looked spectacular. It was very agile, very small, 150kg lighter, a screaming engine."

Alonso admitted that driving the R25 had brought out the beast in him, a fact that was certainly perceptible from the outside. There were even suggestions that Formula 1 might have had regrets about showcasing the car as it highlighted what the sport is missing.

"When you look at the TV pictures, it looked like they were going much faster [than the current cars]," said Wolff. "So there is something to learn. I believe there is always something to learn.

"I don't think anybody regrets from Formula 1 to have had the car out there, because we need to analyse now that we saw it live what is so attractive? Is it the audio and visual experience that makes it attractive?

Video: Alonso and Renault revive the past in Abu Dhabi

"But then I saw the pictures without the sound, and it still looked great, so why is that? We need to analyse that.

"We are stakeholders in the sport, and we need to improve everywhere. But I think all of us, including F1 and the local guys, will look at it and see what we can do."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.