Renault

Renault is a racing team that competed in Formula One under a French racing license. Renault bought out Benetton in 2000, eventually renaming the team to Renault in 2002. Renault also previously competed in Formula One from 1977 to 1985. Renault then rebranded as Lotus Renault GP in 2011.
== History ==
Renault, a French automobile manufacturer, has been associated with Formula One as both team owner and engine manufacturer for various periods since 1977. In 1977, the company entered Formula One as a constructor, introducing the turbo engine to Formula One with its EF1 engine. In 1983, Renault began supplying engines to other teams. Although the Renault team had won races, it withdrew at the end of 1985. Renault engines continued to be raced until 1986.
Renault returned to Formula One in 1989 as an engine manufacturer. It won two Drivers' Championships and two Constructors' Championships between 1992 and 1997 with both Williams and Benetton before ending its works involvement after 1997, though their engines continued to be used without works backing until 2000.
On 16 March 2000, Renault purchased Benetton Formula Limited for $120 million to return to Formula One. The history of the team acquired by Renault started in 1981, based in Witney, Oxfordshire, England. In 1986, the team was renamed to Benetton Formula, following its purchase in 1985 by the Benetton family. In 1992/3 the team moved a few miles to a new base in Enstone. Renault continued to use the Benetton constructor name for the 2000 and 2001, with the Renault name returning in 2001 as an engine brand. When reporting the purchase the International Herald Tribune commented that "the team will not race under the Renault name until it is ready to win consistently again, and reap the marketing benefits." It was not until 2002 that this name change occurred.
=== Formula One ===
==== Équipe Renault Elf (1977-1985) ====
==== Purchase of Benetton (2000-2001) ====
==== Mild Seven Renault (2002-2006) ====
==== ING Renault (2007-2009) ====
==== Renault's final year (2010) ====
Category:Constructors