The invention relates to a hot-rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength of greater than 1200 MPa, an Re/Rm ratio of less than 0.75 and an elongation at break of greater than 10%, the composition of which contains, the contents being expressed by weight: 0.10%≦C≦0.25%; 1%≦Mn≦3%; Al≧0.015%; Si≦1.985%; Mo≦0.30%; Cr≦1.5%; S≦0.015%; P≦0.1%; Co≦1.5%; B≦0.005%; it being understood that 1%≦Si+Al≦2%; Cr+(3×Mo)≧0.3%, the balance of the composition consisting of iron and inevitable impurities resulting from the smelting, the microstructure of the steel consisting of at least 75% bainite, residual austenite in an amount equal to or greater than 5% and martensite in an amount equal to or greater than 2%.