17/12/2009
NEWS STORY
Following the news that Renault has sold a "large stake" in its F1 team - thought to be as much as 75 percent - to Genii Capital, Robert Kubica is said to be reconsidering his contract with the French team.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Pole's manager, Daniele Morelli admitted that while Kubica is delighted to see the French team remain in F1 he is concerned how the new deal might affect him.
"It's a positive reaction but we have asked for more information," he admitted. "We would like to know about Genii Capital and who is doing what in the team, a partner can be a sleeping partner or a controlling partner.
"The cards have changed in respect of when we signed," he continued, "and it's important Renault give us full information. We are not against the new position in principle, but it is important to know who will run the team and what kind of strategies they will use. It could be positive or negative.
"We need some time, at least a few days, to evaluate the new situation so I am not in a position to say we will leave or stay."
The Luxembourg investment firm specialises in new technologies, in addition to brand management and motorsport. Its managing partner, Gerard Lopez, is also involved in Gravity Sport Management, a career-management company for young drivers, and it is therefore not unreasonable to imagine that they might want to see one (or two) of their drivers on the grid next season.
However, as far as Morelli is concerned, it's not all doom and gloom, for he is optimistic that the new deal could turn things around dramatically for the Enstone-based outfit.
"I remember when McLaren were a 'garage' team and with the entry of Mansour Ojjeh they became a top team," he said. "If this is the same thing, it's a good solution.
I don't have sufficient information to judge the new partner," he continued, "but I must believe that Renault have researched their new partners because they have the responsibility of the Renault brand. I would imagine Renault has very strong guarantees about what the future will be.
"I don't see any fundamental issue that creates a concern, our fundamental issue is that we have a car that performs. So the fundamental issue is at which stage is the development of the car? The feeling is OK. The concern is maybe that the situation has created a delay because uncertainty can slow down the endeavours of the staff."