F1 team Toro Rosso likey to adopt Renault-inspired colours

Sepang (Malaysia), April 3: Automobile manufacturer Renault's desire for more visibility in Formula 1 could lead racing team Toro Rosso to adopt a yellow livery in the future, Red Bull's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko has said.

Toro Rosso is one of two F1 teams owned by Austrian beverage company Red Bull, the other being Red Bull Racing. Renault provides engine to the Toro Rosso racing team's cars.

Renault has been linked with a possible purchase of the Italian team in recent weeks, with their F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul admitting in Malaysia that they are looking at a lot of options.

Marko, however, said that the most likely option would be a rebranding for Red Bull's sister team.

"Renault are spending a lot of money on this power unit – not as much as Mercedes but a significant amount – and are confronted with the same issues that we (Red Bull) have: their F1 involvement has to pay off," Marko was quoted as saying by formula1.com on Friday.

"Add to that that Renault feels under-represented on the marketing side so there are considerations to either buy Toro Rosso or more likely give them a yellow livery to have a better marketing platform. But of course the figures have to correspond."

Asked if the potential change might affect Red Bull, Marko said: "Such a scenario would only take off if the close relationship between Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso stays intact, within the rules.” 

"Red Bull Racing's headcount is much higher, the equipment of the team is more sophisticated – so without the know-how of Red Bull Racing, Toro Rosso would be hurt in its competitiveness. So as I just said, a close interaction of both teams is paramount to such a scenario," he said.

Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost talked up a potential takeover of his team by Renault.

"I think this would be a fantastic opportunity for Toro Rosso to make the next step forward. Because the team wants to be established in the future within the first five in the constructors' championship," Tost said.