Briatore May Purchase Renault F1 Team

According to some reports in the Italian and Dutch media, it seems Italian boss Flavio Briatore is considering buying the Renault F1 team from the French manufacturer. The rumor appeared in both the Autosprint magazine (Italy) and Dutch publication Formule 1 Race Report as a result of a potential F1 quit from Renault at the end of 2009.

The French car maker is considering the option as a result of the latest crisis in Formula One, but not only that. There are several things to be taken into consideration when renouncing their F1 operations, including a midfield-performance behavior during the last 3 years of grand prix racing.

Also, the consistent rumors of Fernando Alonso's departure to Ferrari also seems to have become a factor for Renault's losing interest in F1, as the last time that happened, the Esntone based team dropped from world champions to rear of the grid (back in 2007).

Last, but not least, Dutch giant ING Group announcing their retirement from the sport at the end of the ongoing season is also a cause for Renault's (still rumored) withdrawal. The aforementioned company has already cut 40% of their F1 spending for 2009 and confirmed they won't renew their deal with Renault in 2010. In the meantime, Briatore failed to replace ING with another title sponsor for next year.

Although he was himself linked with a Formula One quit at the beginning of the season, Briatore seems to be in pole position to acquire Renault's F1 operations, as the French manufacturer will presumably continue to provide him with the necessary V8 engines.