Renault F1 team confirms switch to BP/Castrol
Baku, January 26, AZERTAC
Renault has confirmed it will be joining McLaren in switching fuel suppliers to BP/Castrol in 2017, following months of speculation about its plans for the season ahead, according to Motorsport.com
Amid uncertainty at the end of the last year about previous partner Total's involvement in F1, Renault had been weighing up a switch to BP and Castrol for its fuel and lubricants.
McLaren is also expected to use the same products, but has not yet officially announced its intentions.
Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul believes the change of oil supplier could deliver a competitive advantage, because power will be important in 2017 thanks to the higher drag produced by cars.
"With the new aerodynamic regulations for the 2017 Formula 1 season, power sensitivity will increase," he said.
"Therefore fuels and lubricants will make an even greater difference to the overall performance of the car than they have since the new power unit regulations have been introduced in 2014.
"The teams at BP and Castrol are very excited by the challenges offered by Formula 1 and we are confident they will help us achieve our ambitions for our new car in 2017 and beyond."
Renault last worked with BP/Castrol during the 1997 season when Williams Renault won the drivers' and constructors' championship.
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