Following its recent takeover of the Lotus F1 Team, Renault has ambitious plans for its return to Formula 1.
In fact, it wants to pose a serious threat the two top teams of 2015, Mercedes and Ferrari. Not the easiest of tasks, is it?
While recently speaking with Motorsport, the managing director of the French company Cyril Abiteboul revealed that Renault has a budget to allow it to produce race winning cars. It is clear that Renault is looking to succeed in the sport, rather than simply competing in it.
When quizzed if the team had a large budget, Abiteboul said “I think we have enjoyed a lot of advisers on that aspect, so they know what they are exposed to. I think that there is a very good business plan, a very robust business plan, at least for the initial term, in order to do the job that we need to do.”
Refreshingly, Renault is well aware of the fact that it won’t be able to fight for podium places immediately, saying that it could take up to three years before it is fighting with the big boys.
“We have given a time frame [of three years] in the statement that was communicated by Carlos Ghosn, and we need to be pragmatic. We know it is going to take time. But what matters is that the marketing story doesn’t wait. I think we have been very successful in F1 with Red Bull”, Abiteboul added.
He also believes that much of the 2016 season will be a transition year for the organization, with it using next year to set up and integrate its structure and operations into the former Lotus team.
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