British team Williams have rekindled one of Formula One’s most successful partnerships by announcing on Monday that they will team up with French manufacturer Renault for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The initial deal will see Renault supplying engines and chassis but the partnership could continue after the introduction of the new, energy efficient, turbo-charged V6 engines in the sport in 2014.
The alliance enjoyed huge success between 1989 and 1997, yielding four drivers’ and five constructors’ titles and 63 race wins.
“Our previous relationship with Renault was one of the most successful in Williams’ history but we will not allow ourselves to dwell too much on the past,” said Williams principal Frank Williams.
“We must look to the future and continue to re-build our on-track reputation, which I am hopeful that today’s announcement will help us to do.” Nigel Mansell produced their first drivers’ title in 1992. He was followed by Alain Prost (1993), Damon Hill (1996) and Jacques Villeneuve (1997). In the same era they collected five constructors’ titles but also had to deal with the death on the track in 1994 of the Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna.
“There’s a great pride in reviving the Williams-Renault name,” said Bernard Rey, the president of Renault F1. “Together, we produced racing cars that are recognised for their technical innovation and it is still Renault’s most successful period in F1 to date. It’s a hugely exciting opportunity for both Renault and Williams.”
