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F1: Ghosn Reiterates Renault’s Commitment
Written by: Kevin Krefting   
10/26/2006 - 07:00 PM
Paris, France
 


For Renault president Carlos Ghosn, the team's success makes F1 more an investment than a loss. (LAT Photo) » More Photos

Pointed out as not exactly a Formula 1 fan when he took over the position of Renault president last year, Carlos Ghosn made clear from day one that the French manufacturer's involvement at the pinnacle of motorsport would only make sense if the squad managed by Flavio Briatore remained competitive.

After two driver's titles with Fernando Alonso and two constructor's crowns in as many years, it's no surprise that the Brazilian-born former head of Nissan is delighted to reiterate Renault's commitment to the sport. The operation had already signed an extension of the Concorde Agreement through 2011, but in this brief post-championship interview released by Renault's press office, Ghosn outlines that the French company is in F1 for the long haul.

Q: What are you feelings following the Renault F1 Team's double championship victory?

"Obviously I am very happy with this victory, and very proud of the entire team. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those people who have made a strong contribution to this performance: obviously our two drivers, our Managing Director Flavio Briatore, the President of Renault F1 Team Alain Dassas, and every member of our teams both in Enstone and Viry-Châtillon. And that's not forgetting all our supporters, both within Renault and beyond."

Q: Why is it important that Renault has won this double championship victory?

"It is an important victory because it justifies the investment Renault has made in Formula
1, and will make in the future. More and more, Formula 1 is working as an investment for us, not a loss."

Q: How would you describe the benefit of Formula 1 and this win for Renault as a major manufacturer?

"Firstly, it helps to grow awareness of our brand in markets where we are little known and looking to grow. Secondly, in markets where the brand in known, it strengthens our image. It gives us a youthful, competitive personality, its shows we are a company with cutting-edge technology, that we are brave enough to take part in a competition against most of the other major manufacturers and, most importantly, capable of winning. It also brings an image of reliability because our cars finished almost all the races, not just when they won but also in the other positions. This win brings a lot to Renault, and now it's our job to transform that into a sales victory through the current products, but also in the product offensive that begins in the coming months."

Q: What will be Renault's position in the future?

"We are in Formula 1 to stay, and we have made that clear. New regulations will come into force from 2007 and in the following years, and we are familiar with them as we played a role in framing them. I think these regulations will, in time, help us to offer the public a better show, and bring even more intense competition between the manufacturers. For Renault, this is an investment – and an investment that aids the growth of the Renault brand and Renault's products."