RENAULT AGREES THREE-YEAR EXTENSION TO BTCC DEAL

As the longest serving manufacturer in British motorsport, having celebrated its 30th anniversary of unstinting support and commitment to the UK racing scene last May, Renault knows the importance of being a key partner in the country’s number one motorsport package.

The three-year extension is tremendous news for both Formula Renault UK and the ELF Renault Clio Cup and gives each championship vital continuity while also providing the BTCC support package with two of the very best, and most well supported, championships in the entire country.

Commenting on the agreement, Renault Sport UK Motorsport Manager Tim Jackson said: “We’re absolutely delighted to confirm our continued place on the country’s premier motorsport package as it’s essential for both of our championships to perform in front of the biggest crowds and with the country’s most popular series, the BTCC.

“I know I speak for all of our teams when I say this contract is fundamental to the continued success of Formula Renault UK and ELF Renault Clio Cup, putting us in an excellent position against our leading competitors and offering drivers the very best chance to attract sponsorship to help their motorsport careers.”

The deal was warmly welcomed by BTCC Series Director Alan Gow, who understands the importance of strong and consistent manufacturer support as key to the continued success of the BTCC package.

“I’m delighted Renault UK has agreed to a new three-year contract as both Formula Renault UK and the ELF Renault Clio Cup are very important to the whole BTCC programme”, commented Gow.

“The package is going from strength to strength and that’s in no small part down to the support of leading manufacturers such as Renault. It’s great news we’ve been able to agree the new deal and I’m very happy indeed Renault will continue its commitment with us until at least the end of the 2007 season.”

Over the years, Formula Renault UK has proven time and again to be the number one proving ground for future Formula One drivers with McLaren’s Grand Prix winner Kimi Raikkonen, McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa and Williams tester Antonio Pizzonia all having won the Formula Renault UK title.

For any single-seater driver realistically aiming to establish a career in motorsport, Formula Renault UK is an essential key stepping stone en route to Formula 3 and the new World Series by Renault, as proven by reigning Formula Renault UK Champion Mike Conway and 2003 title winner Lewis Hamilton who are both now in F3.

Manor Motorsport team manager, Tony Shaw, sees the three-year BTCC extension as key to the continued success of Formula Renault UK, and is delighted Renault has put pen to paper on a new contract.

He said: “This is fabulous news and bodes well for the position of Formula Renault UK as the country’s number one junior single-seater series. Being on the BTCC support package is essential for the championship as drivers and sponsors need to be in the best marketplace possible, which is where we’ll continue to be.

“This news puts us in a great position when talking to drivers for next year, as we know we can put them in front of the UK’s biggest crowds. This, of course, has a knock-on effect with sponsors and so can only be good for the series.”

The current Clio Cup racer will be replaced at the end of the 2006 season, so drivers and teams buying the new car at the tail end of next year can be confident in the knowledge the championship will continue to run on the country’s premier motorsport package.

Lee Brookes, team manager of front-running ELF Renault Clio Cup team Total Control Racing, added: “I’m delighted with this news. It is important the Clio Cup remains a support category for the British Touring Car Championship, as this is the championship to which the majority of Clio drivers aspire.

“At this level, a race series needs to be able to offer drivers the very best position possible and being on the BTCC support bill gives us that opportunity. From my own experience as a former Clio and touring car driver, I know only too well the importance of attracting sponsorship and being with this package is the vital element to those negotiations.”