Carlos Ghosn: "An important victory that justifies
Renault's investment"
Renault's President is delighted with his team's championship
victory.
What are you feelings following the Renault F1 Team's
double championship victory?
Obviously I am very happy with this victory, and very proud
of the entire team. I want to take this opportunity to thank
all those people who have made a strong contribution to this
performance: obviously our two drivers, our Managing Director
Flavio Briatore, the President of Renault F1 Team Alain Dassas,
and every member of our teams both in Enstone and Viry-Châtillon.
And that's not forgetting all our supporters, both within
Renault and beyond.
Why is it important that Renault has won this double
championship victory?
It is an important victory because it justifies the investment
Renault has made in Formula 1, and will make in the future.
More and more, Formula 1 is working as an investment for us,
not a loss.
How would you describe the benefit of Formula 1 and
this win for Renault as a major manufacturer?
Firstly, it helps to grow awareness of our brand in markets
where we are little known and looking to grow. Secondly, in
markets where the brand in known, it strengthens our image.
It gives us a youthful, competitive personality, its shows
we are a company with cutting-edge technology, that we are
brave enough to take part in a competition against most of
the other major manufacturers and, most importantly, capable
of winning. It also brings an image of reliability because
our cars finished almost all the races, not just when they
won but also in the other positions. This win brings a lot
to Renault, and now it's our job to transform that into a
sales victory through the current products, but also in the
product offensive that begins in the coming months.
What will be Renault's position in the future?
We are in Formula 1 to stay, and we have made that clear.
New regulations will come into force from 2007 and in the
following years, and we are familiar with them as we played
a role in framing them. I think these regulations will, in
time, help us to offer the public a better show, and bring
even more intense competition between the manufacturers. For
Renault, this is an investment – and an investment that
aids the growth of the Renault brand and Renault's products.
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