Renault Might Have Two Teams in Formula One

Renault might have two teams in the Formula One next season. After the news that, starting 2008, FIA will implement a freeze of engines inside the Formula One, finding a new team for Renault engines seems just the way to keep them on the winning track. Flavio Briatore, the Renault F1 team manager, stated that the constructor is seeking a second team for the next season.

The last time Renault did that in Formula One, it turned out to be a great success. Benetton and Williams were the teams that ruled the F1 world continuously. Not only did they gave the world 3 of their greatest champions - Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Jacques Villenuve - but they also kept Ferrari out of reach for several years.

Even with drivers like Jean Alesi and Gerthard Berger, the "scuderia" was unable to keep the pace with the two dominant Renault teams. And, with the constructor's performance this season - Renault is still the only team that did not have a blow of engine in 2006 - that might just happen again.

"With homologated engines coming in, supplying a second team has to be the way to go. It would offset a lot of the cost. We would be willing to talk to anyone and the engines would be available for a very reasonable price", said Flavio Briatore. More, there are a number of teams who are in need of a good engine. Williams and Midland are the most important.

Even though Frank Williams had a great deal of successes in the past with the Renault engines, it seems that his team will rather accept Toyota's offer next season. Midland, on the other hand, may be the next Renault team in F1, since the team will suffer a take-over by a Dutch consortium - most likely. ProDrive - the team that will step into Formula One starting the 2008 season - is still looking for an engine partner, and might be a reliable solution too.