Works Renault team return to F1 as Infiniti-Red Bull split

Works Renault team return to F1 as Infiniti-Red Bull split

Works Renault team return to F1 as Infiniti-Red Bull split

Renault has confirmed a return to Formula 1 with its own team for the 2016 season, as Nissan, Infiniti and Red Bull Racing have reached mutual agreement to end their partnership a year early.

12-time Constructor's Champion Renault, with nearly 40 years in the sport, is an iconic brand in Formula 1. Work continues on finalising the terms to the acquisition of the Lotus F1 team in the 'shortest timeframe possible'. The Lotus F1 Team stood out as the ideal option for Renault having worked together for 15 years. As a full team, Renault will says it will take maximum benefit from its victories, adding 'the payback as an engine supplier proved to be limited'.

Renault has had uninterrupted involvement in Formula 1 for almost 40 years and has taken part in more than 600 grand prix, claiming 168 race wins, 12 Constructors' titles and 11 Drivers' crowns.

"Renault had two options: to come back at 100 percent or leave. After a detailed study, I have decided that Renault will be in Formula 1, starting 2016. The final details supplied by F1's main stakeholders gave us the confidence to accept this new challenge. Our ambition is to win, even if it will take some time," said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO, Renault.

Meanwhile, Nissan, Infiniti and the Red Bull Racing Formula One team have reached mutual agreements to discontinue the partnership between the two automotive brands and the F1 team at the end of December this year, one year earlier than originally stipulated.

Infiniti and Red Bull Racing started their commercial partnership in 2011 before Infiniti became the title sponsor of the team in 2013.

Drive an actual F1 car with Infiniti

Infiniti has launched an 'Ultimate Test Drive' competition offering the chance to drive a real Formula One car.

The campaign provides one lucky motorist from the UK the chance to get behind the wheel of an Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 car with instruction from team driver Daniil Kvyat.

Customers who visit any Infiniti centre and complete a test drive will be entered into a prize draw. From there, 25 finalists will be selected to go head to head at Rockingham Motor Speedway where they will be assessed on all aspects of their driving ability and car control by a panel of judges - including Infiniti Red Bull Racing Test & Reserve driver Sebastien Buemi.

One UK winner will be selected to join winners from Russia and the Middle East for the ultimate prize. Starting with driver training on the Infiniti Red Bull Racing simulator at the team's factory in Milton Keynes, they will then be flown to Dubai to test drive a real, fully race specification Formula One car with personal guidance from Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver Daniil Kvyat. After the driving experience of a lifetime, they will travel to Abu Dhabi to experience a VIP hospitality weekend for two at the Grand Prix, courtesy of Infiniti.

Commenting on the event, Carl Bayliss, Country Manager, Infiniti UK, said: "Never before has Infiniti offered a prize of this calibre and we are delighted to be able to reward potential and existing customers with an opportunity like this. Our partnership with Infiniti Red Bull Racing has helped us to emphasise the performance part of our DNA, so offering one winner the chance to experience the ultimate test drive is a real testament to our own Inspired Performance."

The 'Ultimate Drive' campaign is currently operating at all UK Infiniti centres and will close on 16th August.