The car suffered from low downforce on slower circuits, particularly Singapore. The exhaust system became a major disadvantage as the season unfolded. However, some key personnel from other teams – most notably Mercedes' Ross Brawn – downplayed the importance of the parts. It had been further implied that the exhaust system offered significant gains, as incorporating them is a complex process, requiring teams to rearrange the internal electronics of the car and undertaking strenuous side-impact tests to get the new parts approved. It was suggested that several other teams were quick to adapt to the concept, with talk that the forward blown diffuser would be implemented on several cars for upcoming tests. The car attracted attention for a radical exhaust system, with speculation suggesting that it could be routed under the floor to create a 'forward blown diffuser' effect after the car was unveiled with no visible exhaust vents, though Renault did not confirm nor deny any technical developments except to state that the car had been the product of a twelve-month development cycle. So, Renault hired Kubica's former BMW Sauber teammate Nick Heidfeld instead. Renault had planned to have Robert Kubica as teammate to Petrov, but Kubica got injured when participated in a rally. The R31 was unveiled at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain on 31 January 2011, where Vitaly Petrov was first to drive it. The car was driven by Vitaly Petrov and Nick Heidfeld, who was replaced mid-season by Bruno Senna. The chassis was designed by James Allison, Naoki Tokunaga, Tim Densham and Dirk de Beer with Rob White leading the engine design. The Renault R31 was a Formula One racing car designed by Lotus Renault GP for the 2011 Formula One season. Seven-speed semi-automatic titanium gearbox with reverse gear 'Quickshift' system Renault RS27-2011 2,400 cc (146.5 cu in) 90° V8, limited to 18,000 RPM with KERS naturally aspirated mid-mounted Moulded carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb composite monocoque, with engine incorporated as a fully stressed memberĬarbon fibre double wishbone, operating inboard torsion bar and damper units via a pushrod system Naoki Tokunaga (Deputy Technical Director)

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