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Ghosn insists Renault committed to Formula One

Renault currently has a minority share in the team that bares its name © Getty Images

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Renault boss Carlos Ghosn has insisted his firm remains fully committed to Formula One despite widespread reports it is winding down its current operation and is planning a joint venture with Lotus Cars.

"Renault will be associated with this team, whatever happens: associated in connection with the supply of engines and chassis, and with the technology around the chassis," Ghosn told Autosport. "Aside from this, there may be financial agreements, marketing agreements to suit our interests. There may be more developments, but for the moment, there is nothing.

"What I can tell you is that we will be, more and more, technology suppliers to many teams involved in Formula 1. [But] we are not in Formula 1 to own a particular team. We are in Formula 1 to promote the Renault name and promote Renault technology.

"We will do whatever is necessary to do so at a lower cost and with less investment. We are not going to put more resources than necessary into achieving that aim."

Ghosn would not be drawn on claims the Renault name might be lost to the grid after 2012 as a result of any partnership with Lotus. "Name changes … they are everywhere," he said. "What is key is to keep the name Renault. Under the auspices of the Renault F1 Team, yes, we can have other associated names. But it should be noted that, as part of Red Bull, you now have Red Bull Renault.

"The name Renault might appear in a few more teams because we do not want to give the impression that we are exclusive to one team. We are currently developing our technology with a number of teams."

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