Patrick Faure (between Christian Contzen and Flavio Briator) , Chairman of Renault Sport explain us thru 5 questions this decision.

• Why this change of policy, switching from being an engine supplier to becoming a fully-fledged team with a 100% Renault single-seater ? Aren't you taking a big risk ?
  We are perfectly aware of the size of the challenge facing us. But Renault likes a challenge. It is a company which has shown its daring in all areas of activity and motorsport is no exception. Going back to Formula 1 as an engine supplier wouldn't have made much sense, as we have already won everything there is to win. So we chose to go for the only title missing from our sporting achievements today, namely the Constructors' World Championship title under the colours of the Renault team. It is ambitious, but we are not starting from scratch. The technical potential exists in the chassis area as well as in engines and it is our intention to reinforce it. Formula 1 is also a fantastic spur to getting people to surpass themselves.
  
• Won't analysts be worried about the financial effort Renault will have to make to compete as a full team with both chassis and engine ?
  I don't think so. On the contrary, I'm prepared to bet that the cost for Renault competing as a team in Formula 1 will be lower than it was when we were just an engine supplier. Teams benefit from substantial sources of income: revenue from sponsors, FOA TV broadcasting rights and points bonuses.
  
• Louis Schweitzer has always linked Renault's return to Formula 1 with the capacity of Renault Sport engineers to come up with a technical solution innovative enough to give the brand a decisive lead over competitors in the medium term. Is that the case ?
  As you can well imagine, we are not returning to Formula 1 just to make up the numbers. Even though the current technical regulations with respect to engines ban any technological breakthroughs at the present time, we have lots of ideas on how to enhance the power and flexibility of the V10 engine. However, allow me to "pass" on this question, so as not to give any ideas to our future competitors.
  
• Why did you choose the Benetton team whose results are on the decline, whereas other partnerships could have been envisaged ?
  Our destiny was successfully linked from 1992 to 1997 with two leading teams, Benetton and Williams. During that time, we acquired joint working methods and expertise which should enable us to gain precious time in the future. In the final analysis, our choice was simple. As we wished to take control of a full team and the Williams team was not for sale, the obvious choice was Benetton. As for other potential partners, we ruled them out through a lack of results as they are all still trying to win their first world title.
  
• In the longer term, do you plan to supply a second team and under what name: Supertec, Mécachrome or Renault ?
  Certainly not under the Renault name. But, we have plenty of time before 2002 to decide whether or not to supply a second team. Nothing has been decided so far.