Lotus Racing could be on the verge of securing Renault power for next season – in a deal which would replicate the deal struck between Peter Warr and the French manufacturer in the mid-1980s.
According to the BBC, team principal Tony Fernandes and chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne met with Renault officials on the morning of the British Grand Prix, with both sides keen to form a partnership on and off the track.
However, Gascogyne has refused to comment on the speculated deal, stating: “We have a contract with Cosworth and we’re discussing with them ways to work together in the future.”
During its partnership with Renault Team Lotus won five Grands Prix, with Aryton Senna, and Elio de Angelis at the wheel.
The BBC also understands that moves have been made by the operation’s Malaysian owners to reinstate the original ‘Team Lotus’ branding for next year.
Although the current outfit bears no real resemblance to its original namesake, Formula One’s authorities already treat the team as a continuation of Team Lotus and have awared prize and appearance money on the basis its historic results.
