Renault engines could be rebranded in an intriguing proposal involving Infiniti and RBR.
RenaultSportF1 and Infiniti are both involved in the Renault-Nissan
Alliance, so from a Red Bull point of view they would prefer a re-brand of
their Renault engine to an ‘Infiniti’ name because it would make more marketing
sense, as they are RBR’s title sponsor.
The engine would still be built at Renault’s Viry base in
southern France, which would appear to break the homologation regulations
imposed by the FIA previously, meaning a re-brand would be contested by rival
teams. A way of getting around the regulations, as proposed by Matt Somerfield
(@SomersF1) could be to retain the Renault name but agree a restructure &
investment plan by all 3 parties – Renault, Infiniti and Red Bull.
If there were a rebrand, it would leave the other Renault
powered teams (Lotus, Toro Rosso and Caterham) all looking for a new engine
supplier but, with Lotus heavily rumoured to be moving to Mercedes power next
year, it could mean Caterham could be intrinsically linked to Red Bull – as
seen in the rumours that RBR development driver Carlos Sainz Jnr could drive
for Caterham in a race weekend this season.
Red Bull do have a clear interest in Viry, with staff &
resources definitely in the pipeline should any re-brand come into fruition.
Expect these rumours to run, even though Renault are claimed to not want a re-brand.
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