Renault wants manufacturers in control

The Frenchman is at the centre of manufacturer discussions about launching a rival series to F1 when the current Concorde Agreement, the covenant that rules Grand Prix racing, runs out in 2007. The makes are unhappy about control of the sport being handed over from Bernie Ecclestone to the Kirch group, which owns 75 percent of F1's holding company SLEC.

Faure told French daily newspaper La Tribune: "It's unthinkable to entrust our fate to those who do not defend our interests."

Although the manufacturers agree that a split would not be good for the sport, they are unwilling to back down. "The thing which is blocking discussions is the fact that we want to control the commercial management of SLEC," said Faure. "On a long-term basis Kirch's position is unsustainable."

Faure also backed up the views expressed last week by Jurgen Hubbert, board member of Mercedes' parent company, DaimlerChrysler. Hubbert said that F1 has become a necessity for car manufacturers to be involved. "F1 is indispensible for us to achieve our objective, which is to sell four million cars in 2010," said Faure.

Renault officially return to the sport as a chassis and engine builder in 2002, consigning the Benetton name to F1 history.