MAY 29, 2003

Renault and Leafield

The word on the street in Monaco is that the recent purchase of the old Arrows factory in Leafield may be related to a second team for Renault in F1. The suggestion we have heard is that a new team, sponsored by Red Bull could emerge from the facility in 2005 with engines supplied by Renault but badged as Infiniti V10s. This is the American offshoot of Renault partner Nissan. Red Bull boss Dietrich Matechsitz has always said that he wants his own F1 team with the involvement of a US manufacturer. A deal with Infiniti is exactly that as Infiniti is a US firm, set up by Nissan to sell luxury cars in the American market. The company supplied engines for the Indy Racing League, supplied to various teams including Red Bull Cheever Racing. Cheever is a partner of John Menard and the two have bought not only the Leafield factory but also all the racing activities of the now-defunct TWR empire.

The deal makes a lot of sense for all concerned.