Renault is holding an extraordinary board meeting today to discuss its future plans in Formula One.

Toyota pulled out of the sport earlier today and although Renault appears to be more committed than the Japanese squad, Toyota’s decision could allow Renault an easy escape route should it wish.

Renault’s reputation was tarnished earlier in the year after it admitted fixing the result of 2008’s Singapore grand prix. Driver Nelson Piquet agreed with engineer Pat Symonds and team principal Flavio Briatore that he would deliberately crash, and the resulting circumstances allowed his team mate Fernando Alonso to take victory.

It lost title sponsor ING as a result of the scandal, but watch maker TW Steel has been lined up as a replacement next year.

The firm has also signed Robert Kubica as its lead driver for next year to replace Fernando Alonso, who is moving to Ferrari.

Renault is expected to clarify its position in F1 later today.

Source, Renault prepares to quit F1 - Autocar.co.uk

 

that would suck for Kubica, he is such a promising driver I really hope they stay just for his sake.

 

kubica's management is in contact with mclaren. this may indicate how precarious a position renault's f1 program is in.

 

F1 is falling apart....

 

misleading title? uhh ya..

They are discussing the team's future as I'm sure most of the teams have. Saying that they are preparing to quit F1 is a bit of a jump from a board meeting discussing their commitment to the sport. Also remember that they are still signed to be an engine provider, and the current rumor is that they may sell their team but remain as an engine provider. Also this "extraordinary" meeting is said to have been planned for weeks ago.

Obviously this is not saying that they won't pull out and sell their team but the thread title is horribly misleading given what is being reported

 

Renault has said that it will have decided whether or not to remain in Formula One before the end of the year. Following confirmation of Toyota's exit from the sport on Wednesday, the French marque held emergency meetings in Paris with the future of its Formula One team being the sole priority.

With Honda having pulled out in December last year, BMW making its announcement in July and Toyota following suit this week, three major car manufacturers have now left the sport within the space of twelve months; Renault could become a fourth, depending on the outcome of their executives' meeting in the French capital.

"You'll just have to be patient," Carlos Ghosn, Renault's Chief Executive, told reporters. "We'll be making an announcement on our participation in Formula One before the end of the year."

Having returned to F1 as a full-time works team after buying the Benetton team for 2002, Renault clinched the Drivers' and Constructors' Championship titles back-to-back in 2005 and 2006. Another option also being considered by diamond brand is to stay in the sport as an engine supplier only.

 

Shit sucks....too many rules and restrictions, a civil war between FIA and FOTA are ruining F1 imo.

Bernie needs to shut up and let teams race. all this blaming it on the economy is a load of horse shit.

I hope Renault does stay in F1.

 

Renalt is turning into F1's Farve.