Renault could sell its team

It’s been some time now that the rumor persists about the idea that Renault might be slowly considering parting ways with its Formula 1 team and selling shares. Perhaps even with an option for the buyer to take full control of the team in 2013, after the Concorde Agreements, to which Renault is committed, come to an end. Then the French manufacturer could only supply engines in the discipline.

There has been much speculation about two potential buyers, the first being the Russian magnate Alisher Usmanov, who controls the mobile phone company Megafon. Mr. Usmanov has recently shown a willingness to diversify. Notably, in the sports field by taking a 25% stake in the London football team Arsenal. He is also the president of the international fencing federation. He acquired the famous ‘Sutton Place’ manor in Great Britain, which once belonged to J. Paul Getty. The Russian, who is very close to former President Vladimir Putin, clearly has a high financial profile.

The other name that has been mentioned is that of the Luxembourg investor Gérard Lopez, who runs a company called Mangrove Capital Partners. Mangrove Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in European companies developing innovative software solutions for businesses and the general public. Mr. Lopez was one of the early investors in Skype, making a $1.9 million payment to help the new company, and he gained over $180 million when the company was sold to eBay Inc. for $2.6 billion. Gérard Lopez has also recently invested in a driver management company.

And one last thing to finish, there is also an Asian group interested in buying the team.

All these rumors might explain why Robert Kubica does not want to comment on his short-term contract with the French team, other than his wish to go to Ferrari. The Polish driver must surely be aware of the whole story.