Briatore could buy Renault team – reports

(GMM) Flavio Briatore could buy Renault's formula one team and continue to run it in 2010 and beyond, according to media reports.

The reports, in Italy's Autosprint and also carried by the Dutch publication Formule 1 Race Report, tie in with persistent rumors that the French carmaker is contemplating pulling out of the sport at the end of this season.

It is suggested that, amid the slump in new car sales, three seasons of average race results, the expiring contract of title sponsor ING, and the likely departure of Fernando Alonso, Renault – already threatening to quit over the Max Mosley rules dispute – is set to decide the time is right to step out.

The specialist magazine Autosprint said Renault, who currently also supply customer V8s to Red Bull Racing, may continue to supply engines.

Romain Grosjean, Renault's high profile reserve driver, is mentioned as a likely driver for a Briatore-branded entrant.