Robert Kubica resolves to stay with Renault for F1 2010
Following some uncertainty, Robert Kubica's manager has confirmed that the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner will honour his contract with Renault for F1 2010 in the wake of the Enstone-based outfit's majority sale to Genii Capital.
Last month, Renault announced that it had sold a 75 per cent stake in its F1 operation to the Luxembourg-based private investment firm, run by G?rard Lopez - thereby guaranteeing the team's future on the grand prix grid whilst allowing the parent company to pursue its path out of the sport.
However, the move also cast doubt over the continued validity of Kubica's deal, given that his agreement included a 'get-out' clause should Renault no longer wholly own the team - and with Mercedes Grand Prix still at the time hunting for a replacement for 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button, the Pole's name was linked with filling the void.
Following the signing of record-breaking multiple world champion Michael Schumacher by the three-pointed star, though, that door slammed shut - meaning Kubica's ongoing allegiance to Renault ultimately comes as no real surprise.
"We are going in the right direction," the 24-year-old's manager Daniel Morelli told BBC Sport, adding that his driver had merely been seeking 'clarification of the new situation'. "There were no doubts, really, but it was very important that we understood who were in the key roles in the team and of course also the budget - it is fundamental you have that for the updates to the car.
"It is totally untrue that we were asking for more money - it is not in our interests to take advantage. We want the money for the team. Robert wants a performing car - it's useless if the driver gets more money, if you have a weak car and lose [performance] bonuses. It's better to score points and podiums than to earn more money."
Morelli revealed that the squad's 2010 budget is currently 'reasonable', and that Lopez intends to bring in extra sponsors. Kubica is expected to visit Renault F1's Oxfordshire headquarters this week, as he has yet to meet either Lopez or former DAMS team manager Eric Boullier, who was reputedly introduced to staff before Christmas as the new team principal, replacing stand-in Bob Bell, who will consequently resume his role as technical director.
Alongside its 25 per cent share in the team, Renault will retain complete ownership of its F1 engine design premises at Viry close to Paris.
