Renault, Red Bull, to join ‘seamless’ club

(GMM) Renault and Red Bull are next in line to produce 'seamless shift' gearboxes, as the technology becomes commonplace in formula one.

Ferrari and BMW-Sauber are also hard at work in designing versions, following the use of the first models at actual grands prix by McLaren, Honda and Williams.

A 'seamless' 'box is believed to be worth several tenths of a second per lap, with drivers able to change gear without the momentary 'blip' in power.

Red Bull's work on a new gearbox follows the acquisition of a specialist in the area from 'seamless' pioneer Honda. World championship-leader Renault, meanwhile, recently track-tested its soon-to-be debuted 'box.

It could be raced for the first time at Monaco, while Ferrari is thought to be heading for a 'seamless' debut in July.