Renault engineers set up own venture

(GMM) Two former Renault engineers are likely to be at the forefront of the implementation of new technology in formula one in the near future.

Jon Hilton and Doug Cross, previously based at the French squad's Enstone (UK) base, have left Renault to form a new company called Flybrid Systems, which is based at Silverstone.

We understand that Hilton, who has also worked for Arrows, was technical director of Renault's Engine Division in the UK. Cross, also with experience at Toyota, was design manager.

Flybrid, combining the words flywheel and hybrid, will design and develop regenerative braking energy systems for use in the sport from 2009 onwards.

All of Flybrid's staff also worked for Renault.

A working prototype of their F1 design should be ready before the end of 2007.