Ghosn: “A French person at the wheel would be very well-regarded by Renault”

Like the Beatles, they are four young men in the spotlight, each aspiring to a seat in Formula One: they are, of course, Romain Grosjean, Jean-Eric Vergne, Charles Pic, and Jules Bianchi. In recent years, France has rarely had as many legitimate contenders on the cusp of F1, while Franck Montagny and Sebastien Bourdais were the only French drivers to briefly appear in F1 since the retirements of Jean Alesi and Olivier Panis.

It must be acknowledged that French drivers have not always seemed to benefit from the necessary support, particularly from the last French manufacturer involved in Formula One, Renault, which, although engaged as a full-fledged team, has never truly been able—or willing—to impose a French driver in a team led with an iron fist by the dashing Flavio Briatore. Nonetheless, present at the Buddh circuit for the Indian Grand Prix, Carlos Ghosn, CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, assured that the brand supported French drivers: « It’s certain that if we are asked our opinion, we won’t hesitate, especially regarding the nationality of drivers. It is evident that we always prefer it to be linked to a commercial interest for the group because we know that the driver influences the general public. Needless to say, we always drop a word to all the teams to tell them that it would be very well-regarded by Renault for a French driver to be at the wheel. We were pleased that Vitaly Petrov found a seat because Russia is a very important market for the brand. But that doesn’t mean we decide, as each team is responsible for its performance. We simply give our opinion » reports RMC.

In 2012, the engine manufacturer, who claimed its tenth constructors’ title with Red Bull this year, will supply its engines to no fewer than four teams, all of which are, according to current information, in discussions with French drivers. Indeed, if Romain Grosjean will drive on Friday morning in Abu Dhabi and Interlagos for Lotus Renault GP, where he is at the top of the list for a main seat in 2012, Jean-Eric Vergne is part of the Red Bull program, while Charles Pic is in talks with Virgin, as well as with Team Lotus and the Williams team, which will once again use engines from Viry-Châtillon. So many opportunities, we hope, for the French manufacturer to offer its valuable advice.

Renault is pleased with its current involvement in Formula One, despite having sold its shares in the Enstone team that bore its name for nearly 10 years almost a year ago: « When we look at the results today, we can be satisfied. This year, we’ve secured many podiums. Seeing that with a Renault engine, Red Bull is dominating the race and that Williams will join us next year, we can say we’re headed in the right direction. By acting this way, we’re not putting all our eggs in one basket since we are working with three teams and even four next year. »

Carlos Ghosn also believes that the brand with the diamond does not truly have an interest in re-engaging as an entirely separate team: « In terms of visibility, technological credibility, and reliability, we have many more advantages being in the position we are in today. Financially, it’s also interesting. It still makes a difference of 120 million euros, which is quite significant! Our budget allocated to Formula 1 has decreased from 180 million in the Renault F1 Team era to 60 million euros this year. I have no doubt that it’s a very good strategy. »