Renault becomes Lotus Renault GP

Renault has been expressing for some time its desire to become a simple engine manufacturer again. For several weeks, a rapprochement between Lotus (Proton) and Renault F1 seemed to be happening. The Malaysian group wanted to counter Tony Fernandes who wanted to take over the Team Lotus name. For its part, Renault was looking for a buyer to buy its last shares in the team now managed by Genii Capital.

The announcement is now official. Renault sold its last shares (25%) invested in the team to the Lotus Group and will become the official engine manufacturer of the Lotus Renault GP. This partnership also includes a sponsorship agreement until 2017. The single-seaters will feature the famous black and gold colors during the previous collaboration between the two manufacturers in the 1980s.

“Starting a new era for the team in partnership with Group Lotus is very exciting and we will continue to have a strong relationship with Renault in the coming seasons,” said Gerard Lopez, team president. ?It?s a tribute to the excellent work done this year by the team?enstone, thanks to which we were able to attract a major partner and a new investor for a very positive future. »

The Lotus Group is no less satisfied to return to F1 and win its battle against the team of Tony Fernandes, the president of “Lotus Racing”. “I can't imagine a better platform for the communication of an automobile brand other than motorsport, and F1 is the premier discipline,” commented Dani Bahar, CEO of the Lotus Group. “We know there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the use of our brand in F1 and I am delighted to be able to clarify our position once and for all. We are Lotus, and we are back. »