Monday 28 September 2015

F1:Renault says it has signed a letter of intent to buy a controlling stake in Lotus

 Renault has announced that it has signed a letter of intent to buy back a controlling stake in Lotus.

After protracted takeover talks with Lotus's owners, Genii Capital, the declaration marks the beginning of Renault returning to Formula 1 as a full works team.

The French manufacturer previously owned the Enstone-based outfit between 2002 and 2009, winning world championship doubles with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.

Sky Sources understand that four-time world champion Alain Prost will take a senior role in the running of the new Renault team, perhaps in a similar position to that held by Niki Lauda at Mercedes.

The deal should also safeguard the future of the beleaguered team, who are due in court on Monday over an unpaid tax bill with HMRC.

"Lotus F1 Team currently owe £2.7m to HMRC in unpaid income tax and this promissory note from Renault to take over the teams is also in effect a guarantee of funds that this debt will be met, so that should satisfy HMRC at this morning's hearing,"

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