SEPTEMBER 26, 2002

Bourdais and Renault

For some time now it has seemed inevitable that Renault will sign up Frenchman Sebastian Bourdais to be its test driver in 2003. Bourdais is backed by the FFSA scheme and there has been speculation all season that Renault is one of the major supporters of this initiative, although this has not been confirmed. The Super Nova Racing cars have, however, run in Renault F1 colours all season.

Bourdais was beaten to the International Formula 3000 title by Czech driver Tomas Enge but may still be awarded the title when Enge goes up before the World Motor Sport Council to answer charges after he failed a drugs test. His title victory is also being disputed on technical issues by rival team owner Enzo Coloni.

Renault has come in for a lot of criticism about its failure to support French drivers although the company argues that it wants the best and is not worried about their nationality. This is fine except for the fact that Renault is fundamentally a public company (although shares have been sold to private individuals) and is seen in France as the French national racing effort.