Renault aims to expand in China

If Renault decided to return as a full-fledged manufacturer, it’s to benefit from maximum media exposure. The goal is, indeed, to be visible to consumers in its main markets.

The French manufacturer entered China with a significant delay compared to its main competitors and now intends to get back in the race through a major development plan. It was the last to start building a factory in the country, a task now accomplished through a joint venture with Dongfeng (also a shareholder of PSA).

Frédéric Vasseur, the director of competition at Renault, does not fail to emphasize the commercial importance of his partnership with Sun Yue Yang: “The Academy is also a tool for Renault’s markets, to fully engage them in motorsport within their regions. We are happy and proud to offer Renault China the opportunity to bring Yue Yang to the elite level through the Academy. Yue Yang has demonstrated strong potential in WSK, allowing him to aspire to reach F1 with the right preparation. For both Yue Yang and Renault China, benefiting from this partnership is incredible.”

But while the intentions and hopes are numerous, the task is nonetheless a significant one. Indeed, it’s not the first time Renault has attempted such an endeavor. For instance, when it still had its team, it tried to promote Ma Qing Hua, without success. The Chinese driver was then picked up by the now-defunct HRT, again without success.

The second part of its offensive in Asia is to establish a new scholarship to reward the best Chinese driver in Asian Formula Renault. He will then have the opportunity to join the Renault Sport Academy next season, allowing him to continue his development on the European scene, rather than the Asian scene, which remains too limited.

With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr