Renault becomes partner for French GP return

Renault has been named as an official partner for the returning French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard this coming June as part of the manufacturer's 120th anniversary celebrations.

Formula 1 will return to France after a 10-year absence in 2018 following Liberty Media's decision to revive the grand prix that will be staged at Paul Ricard on June 24.

As part of the significant home interest in the event, Renault - France's biggest car manufacturer - confirmed on Thursday it had become an official partner for the grand prix, with its presence set to be "very visible and very noisy with a yellow stand, several thousand guests, a fleet of vehicles made available to the Circuit, a large number of events in the Fan Zone and a booth".

"The French automotive industry is an asset for our country and one of real pride. Succeeding in bringing back the Formula 1 French Grand Prix, after 10 years of absence, is an opportunity to demonstrate on home soil the French excellence of the Renault brand, its engines and its even more efficient technologies," said Christian Estrosi, French GP president.

"I welcome the signing of this ambitious partnership agreement with Renault, who I want to thank for its commitment to this collective adventure. It is today, with our national team, the French sports directors of other teams, the three French drivers in competition and all the influential French personalities, a real French movement that is set up in F1."