Zoom All change for Renault in 2010?

The Formula One rumour mill suggests that Timo Glock is the most likely driver to join Robert Kubica at Renault next year. Interim team principal Bob Bell admits that Romain Grosjean's position in the team is not secure as he examines the driver market and tries to position the Anglo-French team in the best possible position ahead of the 2010 season.

Renault, meanwhile, are still feeling their way following a disappointing season on-track and a disastrous one away from the circuit.

"There are quite a few drivers on the market at the minute, and I think - to do justice to the team - we have to look at all of the options, " he explained. "We’re in the process of evaluating all of the drivers that are available and we will make a decision on which driver we attempt to reach agreement with as rapidly as we can. It’s important for the team to do that and we’re not ruling out any possibilities.

"Romain still remains a possibility but, as I say, in fairness to ensuring that we deliver the best driver line-up to the team, we need to look at all the possible options. If Romain does drop out of the equation, yes, it will be sad to lose him from the Renault programme and obviously he’s French, so that carries some consequences for the team but ultimately, and I think Renault fully support us in this, we need to put the best drivers in the car that we can afford for next year and if that’s Romain, fine, if it isn’t, if it’s someone else, then so be it but our objective next year is to have the strongest line-up."

Bell's own position in the team has yet to be confirmed for next season. The former technical director took over the team principal role following the motorsport bans handed out by the FIA to both Flavio Briatore and his right-hand man Pat Symonds following the crash-gate revelations. Bell takes a pragmatic view of his own role in the team.

"We are all focussed on 2010, we do not hold any expectations about 2009 and we are making good progress," he said. "The team has picked itself up and is moving on very positively with the support particularly of Renault and all our partners and indeed some new ones as witnessed this weekend which is both good for the team and good for the sport. I am happy to see the team through the next few months. That is my prime concern.

"There are some big issues we need to get in place and resolve before we go racing next year and that is my clear focus," he continued without elaborating. "Beyond that if Renault feel the most appropriate thing is for someone else to take over the helm I don’t have an issue with that and won’t stand in their way and equally if that decision came my way that is something I would have to consider in due course. But right now I am not being distracted by it. It is important that we get to the end of the year in good shape."

Renault are eighth in the championship standings heading into the season finale and while unlikely given recent form, can potentially move back ahead of BMW Sauber on Sunday.

Earl ALEXANDER
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