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Renault's F1 team has launched the car in which Fernando Alonso will battle for a third drivers' title in 2009.

The R29 incorporates the wide nose and narrow rear wing seen in other 2009 cars, and carries over last season's shark-fin engine cover.

The most visible change is the team's striking new yellow livery, replacing 2008's blue and orange design.

The car made its debut at Portugal's Portimao circuit, but Alonso will not test it until later in the week.


The 27-year-old Spaniard finished 2008 with two victories in the last four races, to renew belief in the team's ability to challenge for the F1 title.

Alonso, a two-time world champion with Renault, finished fifth in the drivers' standings, while the French team were fourth in the constructors' championship.

Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr, 23, retains his Renault race seat alongside Alonso for the 2009 season.


The new-look wings seen in 2009's F1 cars, which several drivers have admitted do not look as sleek and appealing as their predecessors, are a result of new 2009 regulations governing aerodynamic modifications.

Slick, untreaded tyres will also be reintroduced after 11 years on grooved tyres and teams have the option of employing a kinetic energy recovery system.

In keeping with other teams, Renault are expected to introduce further developments to the R29 in the weeks between Monday's official launch and the first race weekend in Australia, at the end of March.