Renault to quit F1?

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Originally Posted by Bezza

Absolutely brilliant board game. Love it.

8 games, 6 victories :)

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I used to play this with my two daughters many, many years ago. Don't know where the game is now. :(

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Renault is working out a plan to leave Formula 1 before the start of next season, according to L’Equipe newspaper in France.
A team has been charged by Renault president Carlos Ghosn with making a study into the possibility of striking a deal with Prodrive’s David Richards to take the team on.

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http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/

My, how Dave Richards would laugh if despite Max's best efforts Prodrive arrive on the grid next year.

Renault linked to Prodrive sale
03/12/09 13:18

Renault is reportedly devising an exit plan from Formula One which could involve selling its Enstone facility to Prodrive. The French carmaker intends to remain an engine supplier to the new team.....

.....The report, written by Anne Giuntini, wife of former Renault engine boss Denis Chevrier, added that Richards' latest F1 plans involve the backing of a minor car manufacturer that is new to F1.....

.....Reportedly, Richards would relocate his entire Prodrive operation from Banbury to Enstone as part of the deal........


FULL STORY HERE:

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headline...03131835.shtml

I'd welcome this if it happened, although something doesn't sit right about having Renault engines supplied to a team bearing an "Aston Martin" name. If this is the case it's probably best to just be Prodrive-Renault for the time being, then if in the future it becomes feasible to use an Aston Martin engine (whether an all new design, rebadged Cosworth or whatever), then by all means go with that.

Unless Renault want to sell their F1 engine operation too?

This is what we need........ more reputable teams and brands such as Prodrive, Aston Martin and say Lola, instead of operations such as Stefan GP, Qadbak or the mysterious Russian guy who is supposed to be interested in Renault.

I really hope this happens

Ferrari, McLaren, Lotus, Aston Martin and Mercedes all on the same grid!

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Originally Posted by V12

I'd welcome this if it happened, although something doesn't sit right about having Renault engines supplied to a team bearing an "Aston Martin" name. If this is the case it's probably best to just be Prodrive-Renault for the time being, then if in the future it becomes feasible to use an Aston Martin engine (whether an all new design, rebadged Cosworth or whatever), then by all means go with that.

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Indeed V12 - Id imagine this would be the route they would go down for the reasons you mention

Joe Saward of grandprix.com is writing on his blog that apparently the deal is done and that an announcement will be made by Renault and Prodrive later today!

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2009/...o-buy-renault/

Makes business sense too as Prodrive wanted/needed to extend it's facilities but that was difficult at the current Banbury site. With Enstone they could pretty much keep all existing staff too, or split Prodrive over two sites...one for F1, one for rally/LMS.

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Originally Posted by Mark

Well, you can't know that for certain!

I think Renault will be best served in selling off their team, Toleman/Benetton whatever you want to call it, to someone else. But continue in the sport as an engine supplier. As their engines, while not the best on the grid, are fairly decent.

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Originally Posted by veeten

We'll have to wait until the end of the year for a decision, according to Ghosn...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80031

Personally, I smell a sale in the works... :\

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Originally Posted by F1boat

Well, we will see. They may sell the factory team and remain as engine suppliers.

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Definately called this shot in the dark, didn't we?... :D