Renault Official Hints at Honda F1 Return

The new engine formula that is to debut in the Great Circus in 2013 – the much discussed and controversial 1.6 4-cylinder turbocharged unit – will likely pave the way for some manufacturers back into the series. That in addition to setting a clean, equal field for the season in question, since everybody will start all over again from scratch.

That is the opinion of Renault's managing director Jean Francois Caubet who, despite his company's recent exit from F1 as a works team, will continue to supply customer teams with F1-spec powerplants for the upcoming 3 years. This means that Renault will also get to develop the new engine for 2013 and, once they've done that, it's likely they'll continue to pump money into their F1 engine operations.

“The engine for 2013 evens out the playing field,” said Caubet, stressing the importance of starting all over again in Formula 1. “The dossier of the FIA speaks for itself. There are technological innovations; the competition is completely open (...) Everyone starts with a blank sheet of paper. May the best win.”

Additionally, he revealed that German manufacturer Volkswagen is clearly considering a potential F1 programme in the future, while a Japanese carmaker may also fancy an F1 return, making a clear reference to Honda.

“It is the Japanese (the carmaker who is considering an F1 entry in 2013). I am surprised by their interest in the new engine, but of course the cost aspect may have changed the attitude. The Europeans are in front, the technologies are new – I suppose they cannot afford to not be here,” added the Renault official.