05/11/2009
NEWS STORY
On the same day that Toyota quit the sport, senior executives at Renault met in Paris to discuss the future of the French team, leading to speculation that it could follow Honda, BMW, Bridgestone and Toyota out of the sport.
There has been a question mark over both Toyota and Renault for some time, and with the Japanese outfit having finally jumped ship many are looking at Renault to follow as the French team reflects on one of its worst seasons in F1. Other than finishing eighth in the Constructors' Championship, there is the small matter of 'Crashgate', arguably one of the most scandalous incidents in sporting history and one from which the team was lucky to escape with what many see as a wrist slap.
It is believed that Wednesday's meeting was attended by Bob Bell and Jean-Francois Caubet, however, neither was allowed to take part in the disucsions.
With a major PR event today (Thursday) it is understood that the French manufacturer will announce a decision on its future until Friday.
While some believe that Renault will indeed leave the sport others claim that either the French manufacturer will revert to its former role and merely supply engines while others believe the team to be looking for buyer in a deal similar to that which happened at Honda. That said, earlier in the summer it was widely being predicted that Flavio Briatore would make a bid for the team, however, with the Italian having received a lifetime ban from the sport this is now impossible, subject to his upcoming appeal.
What is food for thought however, is that despite speculation elsewhere, Red Bull - which used Renault powerplants on its way to securing second in the 2009 Constructors' Championship - does not have a signed contract for 2010.