Renault loosing sponsors …

ING ended its deal with Renault with immediate effect

The bad news for Renault continue. What appears to be direct consequence of the race fixing scandal two major backers of the ING Renault F1 team ended yesterday their deals with the team with immediate effect.

First came the news from Mutua Madrilena. Apparently Renault’s “substantial breach of FIA rules and regulations” has led the Spanish insurance company to terminate its contract.

Well, I am not saying that this was not the case. But with Alonso said to be on his way to Ferrari it looks a bit like a sponsor jumping at the first opportunity to sever the ties with team that may not have Alonso on board for much longer. Mutua Madrilena is to continue sponsoring Fernando Alonso.

What will hurt even more is the immediate departure of Renault’s title sponsor – ING. ING may be leaving only 4 races earlier than previously announced. But four races that is almost a quarter of the season, so the financial shortfall will not be small …

“ING announced today that in light of the verdict of the World Motor Sport Council of 21 September 2009 concerning the events that occurred at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, ING will terminate the contract with Renault Formula 1 with immediate effect.

ING is deeply disappointed at this turn of events, especially in the context of an otherwise successful sponsorship. As announced on 16 February of this year, ING decided not to renew the three year sponsorship (2007-2009) contract with Renault F1 and to end its presence in Formula 1 after the 2009 season.”

We will see different looking Renault cars this weekend in Singapore …. The only good news for Renault is that they now can get rid of the ING livery .

Photo: Bridgestone Motorsports