Red Bull Racing has finally confirmed that its 2016 Renault engine will be badged as TAG Heuer.
The decision allows the French manufacturer to put its full support behind the works former Lotus team, and allows both parties to distances themselves from this year’s troubled relationship.
In addition, the works team will benefit from extra technical support from Ilmor, which has been orchestrated by Red Bull.
Although RBR and TAG Heuer have a multi-year sponsorship deal, the Renault arrangement is only for 2016, and the team is keeping its options open beyond that.
In a statement, the team said: “The new partnership, which represents a shift away from F1’s conventional supply systems, will see TAG Heuer take up naming rights of the team’s power unit, which will be supplied by Renault. The new car will be christened the Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer RB12.”
“TAG Heuer and Red Bull are two transcendent brands which have both a passion for racing and a drive to do things differently,” said Christian Horner. “And this unique collaboration is further evidence of that. TAG Heuer has been an icon in the world of Formula One for many years and we’re delighted that they’ve chosen to continue their association with the sport by teaming up with us.
“Our shared values of innovation and a desire to stand out from the crowd make this one of the most exciting partnerships in F1. We are also pleased to see Renault confirm its long-term commitment to F1 and would like to thank them for their contribution to the team since 2007. Their technical partnership with Ilmor gives us confidence, and we look forward to the 2016 season.”
Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of TAG Heuer added: “Formula One is deeply-rooted in TAG Heuer’s DNA, and Red Bull Racing is a young, dynamic and driven team, which perfectly fits with our marketing strategy. It will give TAG Heuer great visibility and allow us to make our partnership exciting, different and innovative.”
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