 Flavio Briatore is angry at rumours of Renault's F1 withdrawal |
Renault president Carlos Ghosn has played down claims his team are preparing to withdraw from Formula One. Ghosn's arrival has prompted fears he will repeat the same cost-cutting measures he introduced at Nissan which ended their motorsport participation.
But Ghosn said: "As long as we continue to perform and offer a good show there is not a question about Renault in F1.
"Formula One will continue to have a good return on our investment and Renault will still be there."
Team boss Flavio Briatore attacked the French media for spreading "false information" about the company's possible withdrawal from Grand Prix racing.
Speaking at the launch of Renault's 2006 car, he said: "I have read in the press that Renault is going to leave.
"But Renault want to stay in Formula One under certain conditions which is the same as Mercedes, BMW, Honda and Toyota. Five of us want certain conditions."
Fernando Alonso's defection to McLaren for 2007 had prompted suggestions that he was jumping ship prior to a Renault withdrawal from Grand Prix racing.
And the world champion admitted Renault could have done more to keep him.
"Yes, probably yes," said the 25-year-old.
"It's between me and Renault. It was not more money, it's more [about the] future."
But Renault team president Patrick Faure stressed Alonso had made his decision without consulting the team.
"He never asked me the question, 'Are you going to be there in 2007 or 2008?' because I would have answered yes," said Faure.
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He [Alonso] never asked me the question, 'Are you going to be there in 2007 or 2008?' because I would have answered yes