Renault linked with WTCC entry in 2014

Renault are the latest manufacturer linked with a World Touring Car Championship entry when the Championship’s new regulations come into force, which could be as early as 2014.

As reported earlier this week, Citroën are expected to be joined by another manufacturer when the next set of regulations are confirmed for the Championship. That manufacturer is Renault, and information to TouringCarTimes confirms that they are in negotiations with RML, whom have led Chevrolet to three consecutive championships successes.

RML are set to continue with an independent programme for the 2013 season, continuing with the Chevrolet Cruze for at least one more year, before developing a new Renault model for the following season. Earlier rumours had linked RML with Renault’s partner Nissan, after the manufacturer recently increased its motorsports programme worldwide. RML also have a previous history with the brand in the British Touring Car Championship, as well as their work on the 1.6 litre turbocharged engine used in the Nissan Deltawing project, and with the Juke R road car.

The Renault link also increases speculation that Yvan Muller will likely be a key part of the puzzle. The three-time champion recently admitted to AUTOSPORT that he has not been approached by Citroën, and indeed it makes more sense for Renault to field Yvan Muller against Sébastien Loeb and Citroën, with both Muller’s and RML’s experience in the Championship, than for Muller to join Loeb in an all French team.