F1: Is Renault selling out to Prodrive?
By LJ Hutchins
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
Renault’s exit plan from F1 competition could involve selling its Enstone operation to Prodrive, according to a report in a French newspaper.
An article in L’Equipe, penned by the wife of a former Renault team director, suggests the team is looking for a way to get out of the sport before 2010.
It says Prodrive boss David Richards is working with what it calls “a second-order” car manufacturer to acquire the Enstone chassis-building operation and relocate from the company’s present premises in nearby Banbury.
The company already has an association with Aston Martin, with which it has competed very successfully in sportscar racing.
However, Prodrive has refused to comment on the story, saying: “We will make an announcement the day we have something interesting to announce.
“The truth is that Prodrive, whose candidacy was not accepted by the FIA for 2010, will be ready to take part in F1, on the condition of being able to be competitive and that the company be viable.”
It is thought that Renault will continue to supply engines, most likely to Red Bull, but is waiting to see what regulations will cover the 2010 powerplants before making a definite commitment.
Related posts:
- F1: Renault stays on grid – but Prodrive misses out
- F1: Lola and Prodrive ‘chose wrong engine supplier’
- Lola is considering future of F1 project
- F1: Virgin to pair with first-timers Manor?
- F1: Could a new British team soon be racing?
Read more about Aston Martin, David Richards, Formula One, Prodrive, Renault F1.
This entry was posted on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm and is filed under F1, Industry. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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Author: LJ Hutchins. Supports McLaren, kind of. Thinks James May gets a rough deal off the other two. Drives a Subaru Impreza but regrets its lack of bright blue paint and gold wheels. Is very nearly old enough to know better but probably never will. Is a supporter member of the BWRDC. LJ has written 1119 articles for us.
