Monday 28th September 2015

Renault F1 return

Renault signs a Letter of Intent for a controlling stake in Lotus, should be back on the grid next year

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Seldom has such a small press release marked such a potentially huge story. Renault should be back in F1 from next season, taking a controlling stake in Lotus and marking the first factory Renault team in F1 this decade. This announced in just 115 words.

The glory days of 10 years ago!

Well we're not there just yet. Renault Group and Gravity Motorsport S.a.r.l have signed a Letter of Intent 'regarding the potential acquisition by Renault of a controlling stake in Lotus F1 Team Ltd.' But all parties are working towards a 'definitive transaction', the implication being that Renault F1 will happen unless something completely unexpected happens.

Renault has been involved with F1 since 1977 as a manufacturer or engine supplier. Occupying the latter role at present has been fraught with controversy, Red Bull adamant that the majority of its problems are caused by Renault engines. With Renault moving back to full competing manufacturer, Red Bull will have to sort out some new engines very quickly. And will the full Renault F1 outfit be faster than the Renault-supplied teams?

With nothing more than a letter signed at present there will be a lot more to find out over the coming months. Can they make a better job of hybrid F1 than McLaren-Honda? What about a glorious Alonso return? More to follow as it's announced!

[Photos: LAT]

 

[GTEYE]

Can Renault really afford to do this?

It seems like a bit of a vanity project that will produce little in the way of corporate benefit for an ailing manufacturer.