Dec.1 (GM) A Swiss specialist publication has identified a link between
Renault's surprising driver choice for this week's Jerez test, and a
potential buyer for the Enstone based team.
It was rumoured last month that Renault may be considering staying in
Formula One as an engine supplier next year but withdrawing as a full
constructor.
Motorsport Aktuell named Gerard Lopez, co-founder of venture capital firm
Mangrove, as one prospective buyer.
Some insiders expressed surprise recently when Ho-Pin Tung, a Dutch born
Chinese who has recently been driving in the A1 and Superleague series, was
named alongside Lucas di Grassi and Bertrand Baguette for Renault's Jerez
test lineup.
But a statement issued by the 26-year-old highlighted the fact that he is
handled by the sports management company Gravity.
"Today we have come to the point where we can say we are at the threshold
of Formula One," Tung is quoted as saying.
Motorsport Aktuell reveals that Mangrove's Gerard Lopez is also involved
with Gravity, therefore perhaps explaining Tung's Renault test.
It may also be significant that a large delegation of Chinese media is
covering the Jerez test this week, including the state television
broadcaster CCTV.
