Renault remains committed to F1

As AUTOSPORT revealed at the weekend, the Renault car company is poised to wind down its presence with its current works team so that the outfit can pursue a major commercial partnership with Lotus Cars.

But rather than that move signalling that Renault is closer an exit from the sport, the company's CEO Carlos Ghosn has indicated that it is actually looking to expand its involvement throughout the grid.

Although Ghosn would not confirm the specific change of plan at Renault, or the Lotus tie-up, he told media in Brazil that it would remain involved to some extent with its current outfit.

"What I can tell you is that Renault will be associated with this team, whatever happens: associated in connection with the supply of engines and chassis, and with the technology around the chassis," explained Ghosn.

"Aside from this, there may be financial agreements, marketing agreements to suit our interests. There may be more developments, but for the moment, there is nothing. What I can tell you is that we will be, more and more, technology suppliers to many teams involved in Formula 1."

Sources have suggested that despite the likely Lotus tie-up, Renault's moniker will remain part of the team name until at least the end of 2012.

"Name changes, they are everywhere," explained Ghosn. "What is key is to keep the name Renault.

"Under the auspices of the Renault F1 Team, yes, we can have other associated names. But it should be noted that, as part of Red Bull, you now have Red Bull Renault.

"The name Renault might appear in a few more teams because we do not want to give the impression that we are exclusive to one team.

"We are currently developing our technology with a number of teams."

When asked whether or not Renault was planning to sell its stake in the team, amid speculation either Genii Capital or Lotus itself could buy it, Ghosn declined to give a firm answer.

"I'm not going to give direct reports of discussions which we've had or haven't had," he said.

"Everything concerning the financial situation of this team or that team is tactical. We are not in Formula 1 to own a particular team; we are in Formula 1 to promote the Renault name and promote Renault technology.

"We will do whatever is necessary to do so at a lower cost and with less investment. We are not going to put more resources than necessary into achieving that aim."