Frank may need Renault tie up to stay afloat in new turbo era.
Renault boss Jean Francois Caubet has expressed an intention to seek a fourth team to run its engines from 2012. Although it would need permission from the FIA to do so, it is believed by many that this would be granted. The company currently supplies its V8 to the ‘works’ Renault team, to World Champion’s Red Bull and to Team Lotus, and the fourth team is strongly rumoured to be Williams.
Currently running the Cosworth customer engine, Williams is understood to be keen to seek a manufacturer partnership ahead of the switch to 1.6litre turbo power from 2013, and the Williams-Renault link is very strong in a historical perspective.
The new engine regulations are set for a 2013 introduction but there are rumours circulating that this may be delayed. Any delay in introducing the new engines would not go down well with the manufacturers, and with a number of new firms looking to enter the fray –including Craig Pollock’s new P.U.R.E venture, delays would be costly and prohibitive.
Updatef1.com, May 12.