Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRenault

Renault open to Toro Rosso buy-out

Cyril Abiteboul has confirmed that Renault is currently analysing a potential buy-out of Toro Rosso.

Renault, whose relationship with Red Bull is currently under some stress, is pondering the future of its F1 program. Several sources have revealed that four-time World Champion Alain Prost has convinced Renault top brass, mainly CEO Carlos Ghosn, of the merits of Renault returning at the helm as a full-fledged constructor.

With such a plan in mind, the French manufacturer has been looking at Toro Rosso as a potential take-over target as the affiliate Red Bull team is a clean entity with no debt on its books, contrary to Lotus, Force India or Sauber which may have also been looked at by Renault Sport.

"Toro Rosso is a possibility," acknowledged Renault Sport F1 managing director Abiteboul. "It may be a case of increasing or decreasing our F1 presence although our priority right now is to remedy our engine problems. We must react and correct the situation."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.