Monday February 21st, 2000

Benetton would like closer ties with French carmaker Renault, the Formula One team's chief executive Rocco Benetton said on Monday. He added that, whatever Renault's plans, some sort of future partnership between his team and an engine manufacturer seemed inevitable.

Renault provided engines for the British-based Italian team as well as Williams in the past, before ending its direct involvement in the sport.

Benetton now have a Renault-based Supertec engine, the same as is provided to rivals Arrows. Williams also had one last season but have now linked with BMW.

"We have a partner in Renault Sport Supertec which is an excellent partner," said Benetton at his team's headquarters north of Oxford.

He said he was "hoping Renault is going to come back directly" but there were no formal negotiations.

"Because we have a relationship we talk on a daily basis. The topic comes out as a joke or serious but it always comes out," he said.

Benetton said that ideally he would like Formula One engine manufacturers to supply more than one team for the sake of the sport and to ensure teams did not fold if a manufacturer withdrew.

"I would not want to have a Benetton Formula Renault racing with five other teams. It's no good for me," he said. "We should have more engines available...we want a Formula One with many teams.

"It's fascinating to have these engine manufacturers around. For sure, the next few years are their years. There's no more team owners or whatever, they are going to be corporations. That's the future."

Ford-owned Jaguar are entering the sport with the renamed Stewart team this season while Honda have linked up with BAR. Prost have Peugeot engines, Ferrari are FIAT-owned and McLaren are powered by Mercedes.

Sauber have Ferrari-based engines and Minardi a renamed Ford-based power plant. Jordan have a Mugen-Honda.

"I think the idea of being with somebody else is fascinating and it is also probably something that must happen because a lot of resources are needed," said Benetton.

"Unless you have a direct relationship it becomes very hard to justify. I think it becomes also interesting to hook up with one of these engine manufacturers."