RenaultSport to power four F1 teams in 2012

RenaultSport to power four F1 teams in 2012

RenaultSport is very likely to be involved in yet another championship-winning season as the 2012 Formula One campaign gets underway.

The French manufacturer is not only powering the Red Bull Racing cars but those of another three teams.

Red Bull remains the firm's biggest chance of success as Sebastien Vettel will be the clear favourite to retain the crown that he has held for the past two years.

The young German will also expect Australian team-mate Mark Webber to run him closer this year after he suffered a turbulent time in 2011.

However, in addition to the threat the Red Bull drivers will provide, RenaultSport is also supplying its Renault RS27 engine to the Williams, Caterham and Lotus F1 teams.

The latter of these three could prove to be one of the most exciting stories of the 2012 calendar after the team secured the services of Kimi Raikkonen.

As a champion in 2007, the Finnish ace knows what it takes to have a successful season behind the wheel, and he should be back up to speed in no time having been racing in the World Rally Championship for the last three years.

The Finn signalled his intent for the year ahead by posting the fastest time at the recent winter testing event in Jerez.

Whoever ultimately lifts the crown, Renault hopes it will be thanks to its engine and the firm will be working hard to ensure its drivers are given the best chance of success.

Jean-Francois Caubet, managing director of RenaultSport F1, said: "In 2010, when we formed RenaultSport F1, we returned to our core F1 activity of engine supply. This was principally for three reasons; one, to re-centre activities to give the biggest chance of success; two, to give a reduction in costs that could also be anticipated and three, to work on technologies that are road relevant.

"We won the championship with Red Bull last year, our tenth constructors' title in a little over 30 years, and we were recognised for the quality of our product and service � We are now putting in plans to exploit fully our involvement in F1 and we have put down some good foundations."

Posted by Craig Salter