French automotive manufacturer Renault has unveiled its key commercial partners for its return to full-works status in Formula One, with Renault-Nissan Alliance partner Infiniti set to continue its journey in the motor racing championship following the end of its association with Red Bull Racing.
Renault unveiled its F1 plans at an event held at the Renault Technocentre in Guyancourt, France yesterday (Wednesday). The company formally completed its takeover of the Lotus outfit in December after paying debts owed by the team to creditors including the British tax authorities.
Renault had earlier confirmed its intention to return to full-works status in F1 after signing key contracts to acquire Lotus and the team will now be formally known as Renault Sport. Red Bull Racing confirmed in December that its title sponsorship deal with Infiniti, the premium car brand of Japanese automotive manufacturer Nissan, would cease at the end of 2015.
The rival team had been officially known as Infiniti Red Bull Racing under a title sponsorship deal that commenced in 2013, and it had partnered the UK-based outfit since 2011. Renault said Infiniti would enhance its involvement in Formula One through a specific technology program developing the second generation of energy recovery systems for the F1 power unit.
Infiniti has been afforded branding space on the Renault Sport car alongside a host of other partners. French oil and gas giant Total will continue its partnership in 2016. Renault also announced new partnerships with other brands, including watch supplier Bell & Ross, audio systems company Devialet and clothing company Bestseller through its Jack & Jones brand.
Renault is also continuing relationships with Lotus partners including Microsoft and IT company EMC.
Renault will continue its working relationship with Gravity Motorsports, an affiliate of the Genii Capital Group, which will retain a minority shareholding in the F1 team. Renault originally sold its majority stake in Lotus to Luxembourg-based private equity firm Genii Capital in 2010.