Prost accepts Renault decision

Prost had been chasing a deal with the French manufacturer to supply engines for his eponymous F1 team. Prost, which is considered to be a French national team will now face potential difficulties in finding engine supply when its contract with Peugeot runs out.

However, Prost seemed less perturbed than might be expected. "I would have preferred to be with them than against them, but it is a strategic decision. When Renault does something, they do it very well. For the remainder, that's my problem," he said.

Prost raced for Renault the last time they entered both a chassis and engine in the early 80s, and again in 1993 when he won the World Championship in a Williams Renault.

Renault paid in the region of $120 million to take over Benetton, which they will do in 2002. Benetton will remain the official backer of the car until then.