Renault is considering more than one bid for its Formula One team, should it be sold, according to the sport’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
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British race engineering specialist Prodrive, led by former BAR-Honda and Benetton team boss David Richards, has already been reported as showing interest in the Renault team, but there are at least three others, Ecclestone said.
One of these reportedly is the Gerard Lopez group. Lopez is the founder of technology investment company Mangrove Capital Partners and chairman of Luxembourg-based fund Genii Capital.
The businessman has also invested in Gravity Sport Management, whose athletes include China’s Ho-Pin Tung, the first Chinese to drive a Formula One car and who recently tested with Renault in Spain.
Renault has not commented on the speculation although it said last month it would make a decision on its Formula One future by the end of the year.
The automaker’s board is expected to meet in Paris this week with media reports speculating that Renault is considering selling a controlling stake to outside investors in a partnership deal that would see it continue to supply engines.
Renault has signed Poland’s Robert Kubica as a driver for the 2010 season but has yet to confirm his team mate. Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who won two titles with the French carmaker, has joined Ferrari.
Controversy has surrounded the Renault team this year. It was given a suspended permanent ban in September for its involvement in a race-fixing controversy which resulted in ex-principal Flavio Briatore being barred for life.
He is appealing.
