Renault plays down F1 return rumours

The French company, the most successful engine make of the '90s, intends to
come back early in the next millennium, with 2001 or 2002 as possible
starting dates.

It is believed an announcement will be made before this month's French Grand
Prix.

However, Renault boss Louis Schweitzer implied the marque wanted to
concentrate on road car development.

He said, 'If you have to choose between competition in racing and
competition in real life, you have to choose real life. We would only come
back to F1 racing to win. We would only come back if my staff tell me we
have the right partner.'

Schweitzer's comments are the first public statement he has made on F1 since
he said last October that Renault would return to F1.

F1 insiders are sceptical about a possible Renault return pointing out that
most of the top teams already have deals with car makers.

The only possible contenders are Benetton and Jordan.

However, Benetton would be unlikely to satisfy Schweitzer's demands on
current form, while Jordan is believed to have had no serious contact with
the company.

Renault Sport is said to be well on the way to designing a new engine that
would satisfy its bosses' desires. It is rumoured to be working on a unit
with direct injection. It could also be trying to develop an air-cooled
engine.

It is not known what effect Renault's merger with Japanese company Nissan
will have. Nissan has huge debts, and many have speculated Renault would
therefore not have the money to return to F1.