Rey did not mention whether Renault will be backing the Enstone-based outfit further on, which immediately led to speculation. The statement was linked with other series of actions taken by Flavio Briatore's team during the past week.
According to some sources revealed by F1-live.com, it seems that Renault will not be supplying engines to any other team after 2009. Although this measure might also be considered as a way to reduce costs of their engine department (as engine pricing will be further reduced in 2009, making it not financially viable to build engines for customer teams), some voices linked it with a future decision to leave the sport.
Also, Flavio Briatore's revealing that his team is considering taking on FIA's proposal to use Cosworth-built standard engines starting 2010 also led to speculation that the Italian is trying to secure his team's future in case Renault decided to quit Formula 1.
Renault also announced the lay-off of almost 100 employees at their Enstone headquarters, but this might be regarded as more of a way to reduce unnecessary spending in the testing and aerodynamic compartments – giving the latest ban imposed by the FIA in terms of in-season testing and wind tunnel usage.
While other manufacturers have already announced their support for their F1 operations for an indefinite period of time in the future, Renault are yet to confirm it.
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