Renault team principal Eric Boullier has denied that his outfit could switch to Cosworth engines for 2013, as the French manufacturer looks to loosen its ties with the team.
Renault Sport F1 currently supplies three teams; Red Bull, Renault and Team Lotus, but will add Williams to that list next season. Whilst the company has shown an interest in taking on a fifth outfit, it has also been reported that they are looking to distance themselves from Lotus-Renault.
Boullier however says that isn’t the case, and in fact the two parties are close to securing an extension to their supply deal.
“We are very close, but I cannot tell you more,” said the Frenchman. “We have a historical relationship, we have a close technical relationship and there is Total [sponsor] mixed in the middle of this, so there are some commercial reasons why we should stick with Renault.”
Nonetheless, he admitted talks had taken place with Cosworth, but these were not instigated by Renault.
“You always have to have a B-plan and a C-plan, and yes we have been approached by Cosworth, because they have lost customers. They are talking to everyone in the pitlane I guess, or nearly everybody, but there are no plans so far.”
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