Renault leave the GPMA

With F1's future looking secure, and the threat of a breakaway championship long gone, the French car manufacturer believe that it would be better to be involved in discussions with all the sport's car makers rather than just through those signed-up to the GPMA body.

A statement issued by Renault said: "Renault today informed the GPMA that it has left the organisation with immediate effect.

"Renault believes that in order to achieve constructive dialogue with the FIA on the future direction of the sport, it is important to work in consultation with all manufacturers participating in Formula One, including Ferrari and Toyota.

"Renault has reinforced its long-term commitment to the sport through an engine supply deal with Red Bull Racing beginning in 2007, and looks forward to collaborating with its fellow manufacturers and the FIA on a future vision for the sport that will produce an improved on-track show; and generate meaningful cost reductions for the long-term sustainability of the sport."

Renault's decision comes just a few months after FIA president Max Mosley and GPMA chairman Professor Burkhard Goeschel agreed a breakthrough deal over the future of F1 at a meeting in Munich in November.

Following a controversial 2006 that had seen arguments between the governing body and the manufacturers over future rules, especially engine homologation, the deal reached last November paved the way for constructive dialogue to create an F1 that was more relevant for the road car industry.

FIA president Max Mosley said at the time: "We have complete agreement on all the issues. The engine freeze came forward to 2007 and we are now totally agreed on the principles on which we are going to approach the future.

"In particular, we need to reduce the costs, that's fundamental. And the people who suggest that the manufacturers do not want the costs reduced, Prof. Goeschel will make it very clear that this is not the case."

Toyota quit the GPMA last August after feeling that it was no longer necessary for it to be a part of the body.

"Toyota believes that the GPMA is currently focused more on operational details rather than the long-term strategic outlook for the future technology of Formula One," the team said.

Renault and Toyota's decision mean that only BMW, DaimlerChrysler and Honda remain a part of the GPMA.