Formula Renault 2000 Parts

First, a disclaimer - these notes are the summary of knowledge and experience gained in the past. I have not engaged in motorsports for the past year and have only been doing routine maintenance, during that time.

These notes are written will 'all care and no responsibility in mind'.

The Seat (My Favourite Part Of The Car)

Making your own seat is all but essential for comfort and success driving the car.

Most seats are made from expanding foam or beads. The bead seat is my pick for comfort and safety. It is my opinion that it should take a day to properly fit a driver into the car. Luckily it truly is a one and done process if done correctly. Assuming the drivers shape stays somewhat consistent!

Line of Sight

There is no value in seeing down infront of the car. You should at most be able to just see the top of the wheel rim when seated down in the cockpit.

The Cockpit

Everything inside is configurable. Make changes until you’re comfortable. Make it work!

At ~190cm and ~90 kg I can get myself all the way into the car. There is no reason that the majority of people cannot. Everything is adjustable, put in the time to make sure you’re comfortable and familiar with the cockpit.

I highly recommend spending time just sitting in the car and getting comfortable with it. This really does make a difference. When you’re comfortable with your surroundings you can focus on the driving.

The Clutch

It should only be used to stop and start the car. Engage and disengage the driveline. Avoid pressing the pedal while the engine is running for anything other than taking off and stopping. have someone give you a push to get the car going. This makes the process a lot easier.

Brakes

When the brakes are bled properly the pedal is nice and firm. There are countless choices for brake pads. Keep trying until you find the one that you like. Braking setup is a truly subjective topic. To each their own.

The braking on these cars is best at high speed. Do not try to turn the car under hard braking. The inside (or both) front wheel(s) will lock up.

When braking on the circuit you really do want to get on and off the brakes as fast as possible. Riding the brake or trail braking into a corner will most likely yield nothing positive.

Have a play with the brake bias. Small changes (4 - 6 clicks) are insignificant when you are new to driving the car. Find what works best for you.

Throttle

The throttle needs to be respect when the tyres are cold and when exiting corners. If you do not, she will turn you around and facing oncoming cars is not fun at all.

If the short ratio gearset is installed, the 1st and 2nd gear can make you feel like you’re on the cover of Meatloaf’s Bat Out of Hell Album. It is truly mind blowing for a first-time formula car driver.

If you are an inexperienced driver, avoiding first gear could be worthwhile.

Making Set Up Changes

Avoid making change ‘for the sake of it’. Try to ensure there is a reason for every change and that you have some record of the changes you’ve made.

In my opinion, at least 100 laps are needed before even considering changes to anything. This assumes the car is safe and not damaged in the process.

Going Off Track

At all times you should keep it on the ‘black stuff’. I accept this sounds silly. Though, it is significantly easier said than done. A lack of driving time and maintenance can make off-roading easy to achieve.

In a sticky situation it is best to go off the track as straight as you possibly can. The reason being that if you 'catch an edge' the car may roll.

In these cars something is almost guaranteed to break if you venture off the racetrack. Floor, suspension, barge board, rim, tyre, something.

Spare Parts

One click away. Shameless plug!

Having Fun

Easily the most important and overlooked part. These cars have relatively expensive consumables. It is essential that you do everything you can to justify getting out there and letting the car live its life. Otherwise, she will end up collecting dust in the garage.