Shooting down speculation to the contrary, Renault's F1 managing director Jean-Francois Caubet insists a working budget for 2010 has been approved and the team will race in Formula One next year.
Following the announcement of Toyota's departure on Wednesday, the Renault board met in Paris, triggering reports that the French carmaker could be the next to quit F1.
But Caubet told the sports daily L'Equipe: "We have already contracted our drivers, had our budget approved and are enrolled in the world championship. Season 2010 has begun already."
He said Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn has also laid out his expectations for Renault's 2010 season: that the team "returns to a good level."
"We will not be World Champions in 2010, but we do have hopes to be much improved," Caubet said.
AFP later reported that Ghosn, who was attending a public event today, promised that Renault's F1 plans would be made clear within the next two months.
"I can guarantee that before the end of the year we will make an announcement, and we will announce our strategy in regards to Renault's participation in Formula One," he said.
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Now that the cheats are gone Renault should be much better than last year :-)
real adrian : Because they are a business and as a business they need to meet to discuss issues such as F1 and it's cost implications. It's pretty obvious don't you think?
Terry, with due respect, even if there are only 10 teams in F1 all running kit cars with customer engines, it will still be Formula One, and I will still follow it, because the fans are unshakeable.
Only commited for 2010.
Soon to be the Cosworth F1 Championship. :-(
It will be like formula Ford with 10 teams with their own chassis.
I hope Renault F1 stay in the sport after today's extraordinary meeting. They have the potential to be World Constructors' champions again, but they need to invest and most importantly invest in the right people from top to bottom like they did in the early 80's and 2000 onward. They have always been hugely successful with engine supplies over a 30 year period more so than Mercedes, with the exception of this last year. La Regie forever!
So why are they having a meeting to discuss their future in F1?
Lucky for Kubica that the Regie has shown some bottle. Now let us hope that the R30 isn't another dog of a car.
Great NEWS, Thats the courage which TOYOTA hasnt shown, They told that they will not World Champion in 2010 but just want to race and Improve their scale..... Kudos Renault..... well done
Excellent news for a depressed F1 paddock, I would not be pessimistic about Renault's chance of glory in 2010, they've an excellent signing in Robert Kubica, he'll be tireless in his drive for success, next season it's all up for grabs.
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