What's the news?
Renault has announced how its Renault Sport performance arm will operate going forward, with a particular emphasis on the motorsport side of things.
RS will be managed by two discrete entities: Renault Sport Racing (RSR) and Renault Sport Cars (RSC). RSR will control all of the competition-based fun, including the new Renault Sport Formula One Team, Renault e.dams (its Formula E outfit), the Renault Sport R.S.01 Trophy, and all other customer racing and rallying programmes. RSR will be split between Enstone, in the UK, and Viry-Châtillon, France.
RSC, an evolution of Renault Sport Technologies, will continue to churn out the hot versions of the Mégane and Clio hatchbacks, as well as 'warm' models like the recently released Mégane GT.
Renault plans to use the new structure to promote the RS brand to a wider audience via F1, while its range of electric vehicles will be closely linked to the Formula E championship.
Anything else?
"Motorsports still spark the imagination of both enthusiasts and everyday drivers, and we are putting a comprehensive program in place today. Formula 1 is a big part of our efforts to boost awareness of Renault, particularly in markets where Renault is a newcomer, and will enhance the transfer of technologies from the track to our road cars," said Renault's CEO, Carlos Ghosn.
The RS F1 Team, by the way, features the R.S.16 chassis - developed and built in Enstone - with the R.E.16 power unit made in Viry-Châtillon. New appointments in the F1 team include Bob Bell as Chief Technical Officer, Nick Chester as Chassis Technical Director, and Rémi Taffin as Engine Technical Director. Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer will be the drivers for the 2016 season, with Esteban Ocon as the reserve.