The coveted Renault V8 for 2011

Renault, ready to motorize more than two stables and four cars (see elsewhere), would be in discussion with Williams, disappointed with its Cosworth engine, to renew the legendary Williams-Renault association, as AUTOhebdo reported at the beginning of the month (see n°1751). “ We still don't know where we will be in 2011 », declared Rémi Taffin, head of engine operations at Renault F1 Team, at Autosprint. “ But we are ready to equip more stables ».

Currently, the V8 of Viruses-Châtillon only equips two teams, Renault F1 Team and Red Bull Racing. At the same time, the block Mercedes powers the cars of the eponymous team, McLaren and Force India. That of Ferrari equips the team of Maranello which has Toro Rosso and Sauber. As for the Cosworth engine, it is present at Lotus Racing, Virgin Racing, HRT and Williams.

It is the latter which could be the first to use the French engine for 2011. Today, nothing has been done but it is very possible that Renault will power another team next season, confided Rémi Taffin to AUTOhebdo.fr on the sidelines of the Monaco Grand Prix. This will not pose a problem: we have the production capacity and master the technology. »

Besides Williams and Red Bull, Renault could power other teams, starting with ART Grand Prix or Epsilon-Euskadi, two teams with the ambition of joining Formula 1 in 2011. But others disappointed with the Cosworth engine, such as Lotus Racing, might also want to change engine manufacturer. From a minority position, the Renault block could well find itself the most coveted in the field next season.