Renault to Develop Young Talents

French manufacturer Renault is to create a programme aimed to find and develop new young talents through the lower racing formulae in order to prepare them for Formula One.

Renault, who bought Benetton last season in order to make its official return as a team in 2002, wants to find new stars for the team, Renault Sport's boss Patrick Faure said.

"It is our intention, to create a stable of talent in the minor formulas, establishing precise agreements to allow talented young drivers to progressively go from Formula Renault to Formula 1, by passing through Formula 3 and Formula 3000," Faure said.

"We are evaluating the possibility of creating direct links with various teams for this purpose. The system would allow us to recruit and follow young drivers, whom we could subsequently offer the possibility of racing in Formula One, as well as new engineers and mechanics.

"This would help to create a stable of talented drivers and engineers for the Formula One team."

Renault will provide engines to Benetton in 2001 before renaming the team in 2002.