Renault's Progress Hit by Espionage

Renault technical director Jean Jacques His has revealed his company's plans for Formula One success have been hit by industrial espionage. The French engine manufacturer, which will take over the Benetton team at the end of the season, was hit by spies last year, during the development stages for the engine that powers the Benetton B201.

And His revealed the company had lost important engine data which has meant their current powerplant has not been the success they had first hoped. "It has been a big blow to us," admitted His. "We had to scrap a lot of our work when we found out and start all over again. I'm afraid some data from the designs of the engine had gone so we had to change our direction completely in certain areas. It cost us a lot of time and effort."

The team underwent in-depth investigations into the incident, which saw computer hackers break into the system at the team's French headquarters, and they traced the source to former East German secret service police.

"When we found out, I could hardly believe it," said His. "It did not seem possible. We ruled out the idea that it was done by one of the team and also ruled out all our former staff. We had expert investigations and we are certain that it was done by someone from outside. It has been traced back to Germany and, we think, to the people who used to work for the Stasi.

"There are a lot of them out of work now trying to make a profit with their skills."

Renault's engine is revolutionary, and there are predictions that once developed it could be the future of Formula One. In an effort to lower the engine's centre of gravity, and therefore reduce the height of that critical factor in the performance of a car, Renault chose to use a 111-degree Vee-angle.

And His believes the high-tech thieves have been trying to sell the designs to other teams. To ensure such an incident does not happen again in the future, Renault has installed a whole new hack-prevention system in their factory.

"We have had to bring in a completely new security system, new computers, hardware, software and everything," said His. "We now work with the French secret police to help to protect us. And we are sure, well 99 per cent sure, that there is now nothing on our current engine that has been seen by other people."

Ilmor boss Mario Illien, whose company manufacture engines for Mercedes-Benz, has admitted hearing of the espionage scandal. And now techno supremo Illien, whose company is currently powering David Coulthard's Championship challenge, has backed claims that someone is trying to sell the designs to rival teams.

"Yes, I've heard of this," revealed Illien. "It has been circulating that there are drawings and information for sale. But I didn't know if it was from Renault or anyone else. I've heard they could be asking for very big money but frankly I would steer clear of anything like this and I can't imagine any team in Formula One getting involved."

Illien would not reveal who told him or who has spoken to him about it, but did add: "It is someone related to the business."

Meanwhile, BMW boss Gerhard Berger was typically amused by the story, but was baffled by the reasons behind it.

"It's a great story," he said. "But Renault engines? Why would we want anything from Renault."