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Renault in talks with Lotus

ESPNF1 Staff
November 7, 2010 « Webber and I 'will probably never be friends' - Vettel | »

Renault boss Eric Boullier has confirmed the team is in talks with Lotus Cars after speculation arose that the French car manufacturer is poised to scale back its involvement in F1.

Speculation emerged at Interlagos that the Proton owned sports car maker, Group Lotus, terminated its naming license deal with Lotus Racing but is keen to buy into Enstone based Renault.

Another option may be for Lotus to tie up with Renault as a major sponsor.

"Today, there are discussions, but we also have these with other sponsors and other companies," Boullier told Auto Hebdo.

If Renault SA does decide to step further away from F1 and remain on the grid only as an engine supplier, it paves the way for majority shareholder Genii Capital to seek other partners for next year.

Another hint that Lotus Racing rebrand for 2011 came was heightened by Renault announcing that it was supplying engines to the 1Malaysia Racing Team (UK) Ltd in 2011.

"At the moment there are a lot of distorted rumours, but it is true there have been discussions about a possible collaboration," added Boullier.

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