Third launch of the year sees Renault unveil its definitive 2016 race livery.

Thankfully, Renault, which returns to the grid as a manufacturer this season having bought the Lotus team, has opted for a retro look in terms of its race livery.

Out goes the black and yellow (and blue and yellow of its previous incarnation) in favour of the traditional yellow, the colour normally associated with the French marque, from the days of the legendary 'teapot' and the introduction of the turbo to F1.

The team debuted its distinctive colours in an event hosted in Docklands, Melbourne, in a unique way. The R.S.16 was first seen by the guests as it literally surfed the waves at Boat Harbour Park beach just outside Sydney.

Drivers Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer plus Australian pro surfer Ellie-Jean Coffey undertook the shoot on Monday. The car - a show car for those concerned about whether it will dry out in time for Sunday's race - was fixed to the 7.5m long board using bespoke harnesses. It was then towed out into the Pacific where it was unleashed to catch its first-ever waves.

"We had a new livery to unveil in Melbourne, but we wanted to do things a little differently," said Cyril Abiteboul. "We're in F1 to ultimately get lots of points on track, but also to get lots of attention off track, so we came up with this idea.

"To our knowledge it's the first time an F1 car has ever surfed! It fits with the Australian theme, but moreover it aligns us with the spirit of adventure we see in the latest range of Renault products such as the Captur and Kadjar.

"The black and yellow Sirius colours themselves are naturally the corporate colours of Renault Sport, but also share the heritage of Renault Sport on track. The first-ever Renault F1 car, the RS01, hit the track in yellow and black in 1977 and this latest livery is a nod to this formidable car. To create much more tangible links between Renault Sport Cars and Renault Sport Racing, we have also used colours to showcase the matt white colour available on the Renault Clio R.S Trophy.

"Meanwhile we have added some contemporary touches to make the R.S.16 stand out. We have used metallic colours that will reflect the lights at the night races, the 'diamond' pattern at the rear of the car fits in with our new brand identity and the gold flashes signify we aim for the top.

"We are really happy with the new look of the car and hope you enjoy the video as much as we enjoyed making it!"

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Nortim, 18/03/2016 19:49

"After looking at photos of their car for 2 days now, it looks nice, but I have a feeling that there is something missing, few lines along the car, black and/or white. and maybe diamond sign/logo on the front should be silver not black"

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2. Posted by Ostrich, 17/03/2016 18:23

"Surely the teapot was a Ligier?
"

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3. Posted by edllorca, 16/03/2016 15:21

"Pity the average livery is so drab that they feel they must call this retro. Has war been declared on color and nobody told me?"

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4. Posted by Hardliner, 16/03/2016 10:54

"Before anyone else says it, yes, that'll probably be the fastest the Renault F1 car will go all season. Anyone spot any waves breaking on that beach BTW? Nope, thought not, but I did spot the wake of the waterjet engine which seems to be mounted under the 'surf board'. Very strange all round...."

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5. Posted by ryanhellyer, 16/03/2016 10:05

"Nice livery. I think the traditional yellow suits Renault well."

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Renault goes retro for 2016 livery

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