Faure about impact double championship
Patrick Faure discusses the Renault F1 Team’s successes this season, and their impact for the Renault brand. The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team was able to win the double championship, with Fernando Alonso as World Champion.
Interview with Patrick Faure
Mr Faure, Renault returned to Formula 1 in 2002, and already in 2005 the team are world champions. What has been the recipe for success?
"I don’t think there is a recipe, rather a combination of two things. Firstly, we chose the right strategy, which means: a) purchasing Benetton in 2000; b) putting Flavio in charge of the team; c) taking the gamble on a young driver with Fernando. We did not make any mistakes with that strategy. So we had the right strategy and combined that with good execution of the relationship between Enstone and Viry, excellent drivers and a little bit of luck."
It has now been several weeks since the championship win in Shanghai. What has been the impact, and how will the company exploit it in the months to come?
"We see the impact every day and it has been enormous. This has also been true in the Renault world, which it shouldn’t be forgotten is a large group comprising our employees, our suppliers, our dealers and of course our customers. During 2006, we will develop our exploitation of the title, firstly by traditional methods through communications, advertising and the decoration of our tens of thousands of dealerships throughout the world, covering them in F1 colours, with flags and photos. Then, as our CEO Carlos Ghosn has requested, and this is more in the medium term, we must look to develop a sportier range of cars that can be linked more easily to the image of Formula 1, as well as enhancing our merchandising and also developing more sporty vehicle accessories. We need to derive business benefits from the Formula 1 programme, as well as aiding the brand image."
After this fabulous year, what could your ambitions be for the 2006 season?
"It is still possible to do a better season, to win more races, to finish on the podium more often. I think this must be our main goal for the 2006 season. The team is working very hard in preparation for next season and we can’t wait to get to Bahrain for the first Grand Prix. We hope to be able to perform to the same level, if not higher, as we did this year."
