Renault confirms no Lotus engine deal yet

Renault is yet to formally agree to supply its V8 engine to the Lotus team for 2011.

It is an open secret that, having ended its contract with Cosworth and signed to use the Renault-friendly Red Bull gearbox, Lotus has also settled on using the Renault engine next year.

But the deal is being delayed by the team’s name situation, with Renault not wanting to conclude a contract whilst one of its carmaker peers – Group Lotus owner Proton – is locked in the legal dispute.

“If we haven’t announced anything yet it means we have not signed anything yet,” Renault team boss Boullier confirmed.

Without naming Lotus, however, he admitted that it is Renault’s “wish to supply another team”.

 © RIF | GMM