Calling all Renault Sport fans! There are big changes afoot, with a restructuring effort announced alongside confirmation of the new Renault Sport F1 Team.
Not the official livery yet
Renault Sport will now be split in two, with Renault Sport Racing taking control of all Renault motorsport. As well as F1, this will include customer programs like the Clio Cup and Formula Renault.
Renault Sport Cars will control Renault's performance road car efforts, with increased R&D efforts to develop its image internationally. There has been no explicit mention of any new models , but with a push on increasing the brand's recognition we would have to assume (or hope) that a few more cars will receive the RS treatment. Bring on that Twingo...
More F1 tech is claimed to be making its way to the road too, with CEO Carlos Ghosn saying Formula 1 is a big part of Renault's efforts to boost brand awareness, particularly in markets where it remains a newcomer. Intriguingly, the first example of this new alliance between Racing and Cars will be revealed at this year's Monaco GP. Is it the much anticipated Alpine sports car?
All eyes will be on Renault to see how this structure affects their road car efforts, particularly with such rich heritage to build on. Oh yes, and more on the F1 car soon.