Renault F1 bought by Briatore in 2010?

According to some sports media, Flavio Briatore could buy the Renault F1 team and continue to race under another name in 2010 and beyond.

These pieces of information, announced by the Italian newspaper Autosprint and also in a Dutch publication, are based on rumors that have been circulating for some time around the car manufacturer.

There are indeed several concrete facts supporting the hypothesis of a withdrawal of the diamond: the drop in car sales, three seasons with average results, the expiration of the title sponsor contract with ING, and the probable departure of Fernando Alonso. Renault, which has already threatened to withdraw in the FOTA – Max Mosley battle, is reportedly considering that the time has come to withdraw.

The magazine Autosprint specifies, however, that Renault would continue its supply of F1 engines, as is currently the case with Red Bull.

With Flavio Briatore leading a new private team, Romain Grosjean, current Renault reserve driver and leader of the GP2 championship, is strongly tipped to be one of the main drivers.

Renault, after withdrawing from F1 in 1985, continued to supply engines in 1986, then from 1989 to 1997 with incredible success with Williams and Benetton (6 constructors’ titles). Starting in 2002, the diamond brand lined up once again on the starting grid with a 100% Renault single-seater.