Renault to investigate alternator failures

Vettel walks back to the garage after retiring from the race he was leading (© Red Bull, Getty Images)

Renault will launch a full investigation into the double alternator failure which hit Sebastian Vettel and Romain Grosjean in Valencia.

The French engine supplier, which provides engines for Red Bull, Lotus, Williams and Caterham, saw two of its units stop suddenly causing both Vettel and Grosjean to retire from 1st and 2nd respectively.

The cause currently remains unknown, with many in the paddock suggesting the units overheated whilst behind the safety car, but Renault hope to know more once the engines and alternators are returned to their factory in Viry on Monday.

"Today was a real disappointment as Sebastian was well ahead and seemed to have the race in his pocket," said Cyril Dumont of Renault Sport F1. "Then the alternator overheated, stopped supplying electrical power and the engine shut down. "We're not sure exactly why – it could be a number of things – but it's definitely something we'll look at when we get back to Viry."

Ricardo Penteado, Renault Sport F1 Team Support Leader added: "We have to apologise to Romain, who could have got a very decent result here.

"The alternator failed at about two thirds distance and the car stopped due to no electrical power. We will look into this thoroughly and see what happened in this instance."

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