FORMULA 1 remains a global marketing phenomenon, influencing millions of potential car buyers by sexing up a particular brand.

It's why advertisers spend millions a year just for a tiny decal on the race car or the driver's flameresistant suit.

It also explains why manufacturers are prepared to dig deep into seemingly bottomless pockets to develop cars for the track.

For many the mere association with the name is enough. But some discerning drivers need something more obvious, more in your face.

Renault have cashed in on being the current F1 champions by producing the Megane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26, a vehicle that screams special even before turning a wheel.

The style-conscious have argued incessantly about the Megane's aesthetics, and while it still looks a bit odd, it is now more familiar and therefore less quirky.

advertisementAfter a week its broad beams and chunky rear did grow on me and was particularly fetching with the menacing twin tailpipes.

Anthracite wheels and liquid yellow metallic paintwork also ensured the Megane is no shrinking violet - how could it be when it is bright yellow?

The wheels are especially effective at hiding the brake dust generated by the simply gargantuan disc brakes which are bitten into by bright red callipers.

Inside the sporting theme continues, with limited edition number plate, Recaro sports seats and six-speed gearbox.

The luxuries extend to 60W hifi, climate control, double optic headlamps, electric windows, cruise control and speed limiter.

For the enthusiast the R26 (which is the same name as last year's winning F1 car) packs a 2.0 litre turbo-charged engine which is good for 230bhp and 310Nm of torque.

The electronic stability programme can be switched off and it is also fitted with a limited-slip differential.

Without getting too technical, this means that more power is directed to the front wheels and less is sapped by the traction control.

It also allows for torque steer, which tugs on the steering wheel and makes the driver feel alive.

Performance is lively, with 62mph coming up in just over six seconds.

Handling, grip, ride and responses are excellent, safe but involving, making the Megane a real driver's car.

Renault's success on the track is much more limited in this year's F1 challenge but the abilities of the Megane live on so this shouldn't have any effect at all.