Renault looks set to become Lotus-Renault in 2011 as the Malaysian manufacturer, Proton, is rumoured to be interested in buying up a stake in the team, The F1 Times has learned.
The news comes as Renault is looking to decrease its involvement in F1 further, despite only owning a minority stake in the Renault outfit.
The French manufacturer will become an engine supplier to Lotus, which is set to be renamed Malaysia1, current championship leaders Red Bull and its works team, to be renamed Lotus-Renault if the deal with Proton/Lotus goes through.
The situation is quite confusing, given the current Lotus team involved in F1 since the start of the year. However, the Tony Fernandes owned outfit licenses the Lotus name and has recently been involved in a legal dispute over the Team Lotus title.
It’s thought the current team will become Malaysia1, reflecting its country of origin.
A similar situation will take place in next years GP2 championship. Lotus Cars has joined forces with ART, whilst Fernandes will field a team under his AirAsia brand.
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