However, the most recent rumors not only give us the name of a potential F1 rookie next year, but also a possible buyout deal in Formula One. And no, we're no talking about the Mercedes-Brawn GP one, as that one was already confirmed a couple of days ago.
It now seems that Renault is looking to sell no less than 40 percent of their Enstone based operation prior to the start of the 2010 season to a Russian bidder. The report appeared in Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper, whose reporters argued that this might lead to Vitaly Petrov signing as Robert Kubica's teammate for the upcoming season.
Although this report might not be taken too seriously by the F1 fans out there, the allegations were echoed by Germany's Bild newspaper also, whose latest report suggested that the French manufacturer is looking to urgently secure around 30M euros in order to keep sustaining its F1 operations.
That would explain at least two situations that occurred recently in the sport. The first would be Timo Glock signing with Manor F1 rather than team up with Kubica next year, and the second would be Red Bull's delay in announcing their official engine partner for the 2010. Although they hinted that the Milton Keynes factory will continue to be supplied with Renault engines, no official confirmation was issued by Red Bull.
Renault recently announced that they are eager to maintain their factory support for the Enstone team, but confirmed they will reveal their definitive F1 plans for the future in mid-to-late December.
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