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Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn has cast doubt upon the driver contracts agreed between Lotus and Pastor Maldonado and 2016 rookie Jolyon Palmer. After months of delays, the French carmaker finally announced late this week that it will proceed with the buyout of the Enstone based team. "It required several months of reflection, discussion and negotiation with partners and stakeholders of formula one," Ghosn told the Paris daily Le Figaro.
During that delay, Lotus came close to financial collapse and agreed 2016 driver contracts with heavily backed drivers Maldonado, a controversial Venezuelan, and Briton Palmer for next year. But when asked by Le Figaro if there will be a Frenchman at the wheel of a works Renault in 2016, Ghosn answered: "We will wait a few weeks. I refer to a meeting in January 2016, when we will explain the organisation, goals, strategy and we will also talk about drivers and partners," he added.
He also warned that Renault's return to the top step of the podium may take some time. "Given the high motivation of our employees in Enstone and Viry, we will take three years to become competitive," said Ghosn. "We will also continue to supply engines to other teams, but it will be according to the interests of our own team," he added, referring to Red Bull who will re-brand their French-made engines as Tag-Heuer next year. (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (4)
Login to replyElmgreen
Posts: 23
One could only hope, that thoose deservant of a race seat will get it. Wouldnt it be awesome to see Magnussen Vs VD. Know its not gonna happen, but still. Maldonado and Palmer are hardly the way to go if u want help in developing a car. But then again, maybe do the opposite than McL, get two drivers to pay for the development of the car the first year, when they hardly will be competitive anyways. Then when time is right get some talented drivers.
Piona P
Posts: 2
How much would you like to bet that we'll see the pay driver Maldonado crashing - er, racing - a Manor next year?
khasmir
Posts: 893
Whoever it will be, I doubt there will be a Frenchman since Grosjean is confirmed at Haas and Ocon at Merc as test driver. Vergne is driving Formula e and I can't immediately think of any other French candidates...
Palmer did win GP2 title in 2014 so he deserves a chance but I would not miss Crashtor ;)
Both of them probably bring enough cash with them to buy a seat at Manor so they have options lol
khasmir
Posts: 893
Just saw a different source that confirms Palmer and Maldonado for next year and the rumors can only be about the 3rd driver.