The Stephane Ratel Organisation (SRO) is set to take over control of the two national Renault Championships. Renault Sport Technologies (RST) has announced the news that SRO will take over promotion of the Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship and the Elf Renault Clip Cup with Michelin series from 1st January 2011.
The series will be run by SRO's experienced organiser Lisa Crampton, who also organises the Cooper Tires British F3 Championship and Avon Tyres British GT Championship. Both series will continue to run on the British Touring Car Championship package, after renewing its three-year rolling TOCA contract earlier this year.
SRO are taking over the responsibilities from Grovewood Sport Ltd, who took over as promoter in the UK in 2007, when Renault Sport reorganised its European motorsport structure. Championship co-ordinator Pauline Platts has been appointed by SRO to continue her role, as they aim to make it a smooth transition.
Outgoing Managing Director Simon North explained their decision: “Although we have enjoyed three hugely successful years as Promoter and have had a great working relationship with Renault I have decided to fully concentrate in future on our public relations and media work for our clients. Over the past three years I have had wonderful support from TOCA, BARC, our close-knit organising team plus the teams and drivers of all the Renault championships and I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you.”
RST Competition Director Jean-Pascal Dauce commented: “Renault Sport Technologies has certainly appreciated the work and the commitment over the years of its Promoter, Grovewood Sport Ltd. Today, we are looking forward to a very promising partnership with SRO in global motorsport activities.”
Chairman of SRO, Stephane Ratel, expressed the company's joy at taking over the duties: “SRO is delighted to have been appointed to take over the running of two of Britain's most prestigious and successful national championships. We are well aware of Renault's heritage in British motorsport stretching back to the 1970s and SRO will continue working hard to enhance the standing of its championships. I believe our appointment will be very good news for aspiring young drivers. We will be able to open doors for progression as already seen with the Formula Renault 3.5 Series tests for F3 leaders, and F3 tests the Formula Renault 2.0 UK drivers recently enjoyed.”
