Carlos Ghosn: “A reflection linked to the history of Renault”

Last night, Renault made official what AUTOhebdo had been announcing for several weeks : the return of the Diamond to the F1 World Championship as a full-fledged team from 2016.

Alongside this announcement, the brand's president Carlos Ghosn spoke exclusively in the columns of Le Figaro. “The position of engine manufacturer does not provide sufficient return on investment. We therefore carried out economic reflection, but there was also a reflection linked to the history of Renault. Renault has associated its name with the Formula 1 for 40 years? There is an attachment to this competition internally. »

Carlos Ghosn also plays the card of caution when discussing the objectives. « It will take three years to be competitive. We will also continue to develop our engine activity, but depending on the activity of our own team. We discuss in particular with Red Bull." The Milton Keynes team will continue in 2016 with a Renault Power Unit, but rebadged in the name of TAG Heuer, as announced this morning.

Asked about the question of the presence of a French driver, the president of Renault sets an appointment in January for more details. “We will explain the organization, the objectives, the drivers, the strategy, the partners. » Remember that Lotus F1 Team, bought by Renault for this return to business, announced earlier in the year the extension of Pastor Maldonado and the recruitment of Jolyon Palmer, replacing Romain Grosjean, set out to take up the challenge Haas F1 Team.