[JRixlcvF]

BUT - something doesn't sit right with me about a car manufacturer backing another car manufacturer's racing team

I know what you mean, but Renault owns 25% of Lada's parent company. It makes sense.

[quack!]

Given the fact that Petrov is a well connected Russian and pays for his own F1 ride, I am not surprised to see the Lada logo on the livery.

After all, Renault is not a majority owner of the "Renault F1" team so Genii Capital has the leverage to establish additional business relationships.

It been heavily reported that Renault may not around in F1 for long. Genii Capital has only guaranteed the "Renault F1" name and support from "Renault Sport" for the next two years. But what happens after this timeframe? I see Renault pulling a slow and silent retreat from F1. This is a good way to leave, especially without causing ill-feelings or shock as compared to Honda, BMW & Toyota.

[chuecaloversvvp]

BUT - something doesn't sit right with me about a car manufacturer backing another car manufacturer's racing team.

It's going to be rather weird seeing a Renault Lada up against a BMW (Sauber) Ferrari

[arindiruppya]

At least Lada drivers knew they hadn't paid over-the-odds for a heap of Dagenham manure.

The biggest joke was the British car industry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwZvWQyYSDM

Proof positive.

Can't disagree with that.

[9wQlZkIj]

It been heavily reported that Renault may not around in F1 for long. Genii Capital has only guaranteed the "Renault F1" name and support from "Renault Sport" for the next two years. But what happens after this timeframe? I see Renault pulling a slow and silent retreat from F1. This is a good way to leave, especially without causing ill-feelings or shock as compared to Honda, BMW & Toyota.

Totally agree. It would be good to see them remain as an engine supplier only as well, after all this is where they had most of their success with Williams etc. Even in the last year with Red Bull compared to the works cars.

[Mymnnarry]

OMG! Just remembered the Lada Lotus!

Can't post the link from here but if you search you tube for the "Lada Lotus" its there. Looks brilliant - I want one!

[chuecaloversvvp]

OMG! Just remembered the Lada Lotus!

Blimey Forgotten all about that!

[LookSe]

The biggest joke was the British car industry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwZvWQyYSDM

Proof positive.

Absolutely right. Much is said about how politicians have ruined British industry over the years, but this often serves to forget how much those same industries did to ruin themselves.

[Ilaubuas]

All told by those who thought a Ford Sierra had good build quality

Don't knock the Ford Sierra - rear wheel drive, simple and robust mechanicals, and a body shell that rusted into dust at the drop of a hat. It was Ford's gift to the kit car industry!

[arindiruppya]

Absolutely right. Much is said about how politicians have ruined British industry over the years, but this often serves to forget how much those same industries did to ruin themselves.

Yep, money was not invested in innovation and companies like Rover were using 14 year old technology and repackaging it in facelift automobiles. European makers like VW and Renault were beginning to thrive in the UK market along with Japanese models which were alot more reliable. Production in the UK began to decline and along with Unions pushing for higher wages of staff and countless strikes only adding to the problem, this signalled the end of the British car industry. This lack of foresight means they only had themselves to blame IMO..

[arindiruppya]

All told by those who thought a Ford Sierra had good build quality or that a Triumph Acclaim was a good car.

The biggest joke was the British car industry.

Although I agree with your opinion on the British car industry, why did you use a car (Ford Sierra) designed by a Swiss and a German funded by American's, and an ex-Honda (Triumph Acclaim) to demonstrate your point? Both these cars were manufactured in Britain but not entirely pure products of the British car industry. Build quality doesn't always lie at the feet of the person who puts it together, but also relies on a competent design philosophy IMO. I personally would have used cars like the Austin Mini Metro or the Austin Montego as a better example of poor British attempts.

[FelixQY]

The Lada backing for Petrov may also have something to do that he actually started off in racing - indeed, winning - in the Russian Lada championships (and did so as recently as 2005!) - check his Wikipedia entry. Quite a novel way to start off on your path towards F1, a bit different to karting!

[bobibnoxx]

Some say Lada's presence in F1 is embarrassing. I'd say it's fun. And it would be greater if they actually took over Renault's team and renamed it Lada in the future. After all, Lada has pulled out of WTCC - maybe they are now gradually aiming to move one step higher ?

[Xavier_Spinner_Wheels]

A rather large "HP" logo has appeared on the Renaults in Bahrain - the start of a 2 year deal according to Joe Saward:


Here's a link to a (fairly huge!) photo:

http://joesaward.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/hp-2.jpg

[Sthjrderfida]

But one things is for sure, Lada is a very fun car to drive. If You master Lada, then other cars are just a piece of cake.

[appletango]

A rather large "HP" logo has appeared on the Renaults in Bahrain - the start of a 2 year deal according to Joe Saward:


Here's a link to a (fairly huge!) photo:

http://joesaward.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/hp-2.jpg

OK, maybe that livery is growing on me a bit (even though I think that's a computer mock-up?). Good to see they're getting a bit more sponsorship though.

[irrelaAnnekly]

OK, maybe that livery is growing on me a bit (even though I think that's a computer mock-up?). Good to see they're getting a bit more sponsorship though.

Sure it is, the Lada sign isn't visible.