Marko confirms Renault in Toro Rosso takeover talks

High level talks are underway between Red Bull and Renault, regarding the sale of the Toro Rosso team to the French car manufacturer.

In the Melbourne paddock, high tension between officials of the energy drink company and its French partner is obvious. A divorce appears to be on the cards.

So according to Austria’s Salzburger Nachrichten, Renault has kicked off talks with Red Bull about buying its second team, Toro Rosso, so it can be rebranded as the French manufacturer’s works outfit.

A source confirmed: “Yes, discussions are ongoing between Red Bull and Renault.”

Red Bull’s Helmut Marko, the right hand man of Dietrich Mateschitz, told the APA news agency: “It is true that we are speaking with Renault about another form of cooperation regarding Toro Rosso.

“It may be that the cars go completely in yellow or there may even be a takeover,” the Austrian added.

But Marko denied rumours Red Bull might also be looking to sell its premier team, Red Bull Racing, to the Volkswagen Group.

“There have been no talks,” he insisted.

He does not hide, however, that Red Bull is dissatisfied not only with its current relationship with engine supplier Renault, but with formula one in general.

“Formula 1 is in urgent need of renewal,” said Marko. “The sport must be the coolest, strongest and fastest it can be. If the relation between the cost and what we get out of it is wrong for Red Bull, we would not go on forever.”