Renault has struck a deal with BP to become the team’s official fuels and lubricants supplier in Formula 1 this season, as confirmed by the team on Thursday.
Renault had held a long-term partnership with Total, but customer outfit Red Bull announced last year that it had switched to ExxonMobil, and the French manufacturer will now also make the move away from Total.
Renault will use fuel and lubricants from BP, which will also use its Castrol brand, as it attempts to return to the top in Formula 1.
“With the new aerodynamic regulations for the 2017 Formula 1 season, power sensitivity will increase,” said managing director Cyril Abiteboul.
“Therefore fuels and lubricants will make an even greater difference to the overall performance of the car than they have since the new power unit regulations have been introduced in 2014.
“The teams at BP and Castrol are very excited by the challenges offered by Formula 1 and we are confident they will help us achieve our ambitions for our new car in 2017 and beyond.”
Renault and BP/Castrol last worked together in Formula 1 when the manufacturer powered Williams to both titles in the 1997 campaign.
“The return of BP and Castrol, brands with such strong heritage in motorsport, is very good news and opens new opportunities for our Formula 1 team,” said Jérôme Stoll, Renault Sport’s President.
“BP’s commitment highlights the ongoing appeal of Formula 1 to major multinational companies. We are very proud and motivated to have a technical partner and sponsor of this calibre.”
Renault finished ninth in last year’s constructors’ championship during its first season since returning as a full works team.
Jolyon Palmer and Nico Hülkenberg will race for Renault this season.
