Auto123.com became aware of what was described as a serious rumour on October 27 through a collaborator at Moneysupermarket.com and thelotusforums.com.
Friday, UK’s motorsport magazine Autosport revealed finally that Renault looks ready to scale down its F1 involvement in 2011 and to become only an engine supplier as its current Enstone team closes in on a tie-up with Lotus Cars.
Autosport reports that Renault would give Gerard Lopez’s Genii Capital the full control to look for new business partners for next season.
“Sources suggest that the outfit is close to finalising a deal with Lotus Cars for the company to become a major sponsor - and potential minority shareholder - of the team. The outfit itself could become known as Lotus Renault from the start of next year,” Autosport says.
That significant change would provide Lotus Cars the opening in F1 that its ambitious Lotus CEO Dany Bahar (formerly from Ferrari) is seeking.
Rumours that the current Lotus Racing team (also to use Renault engines) may seek a rebranding next year was heightened by the outfit not making any reference to its current name in press releases confirming its use of Renault engines for next year.
Renault made reference to 1Malaysia Racing Team (UK) Ltd and not to Lotus Racing.
Friday, UK’s motorsport magazine Autosport revealed finally that Renault looks ready to scale down its F1 involvement in 2011 and to become only an engine supplier as its current Enstone team closes in on a tie-up with Lotus Cars.
Autosport reports that Renault would give Gerard Lopez’s Genii Capital the full control to look for new business partners for next season.
“Sources suggest that the outfit is close to finalising a deal with Lotus Cars for the company to become a major sponsor - and potential minority shareholder - of the team. The outfit itself could become known as Lotus Renault from the start of next year,” Autosport says.
That significant change would provide Lotus Cars the opening in F1 that its ambitious Lotus CEO Dany Bahar (formerly from Ferrari) is seeking.
Rumours that the current Lotus Racing team (also to use Renault engines) may seek a rebranding next year was heightened by the outfit not making any reference to its current name in press releases confirming its use of Renault engines for next year.
Renault made reference to 1Malaysia Racing Team (UK) Ltd and not to Lotus Racing.