» And now Renault wants to buy back the team!

French carmaker Renault is now reportedly considering buying back into the team that bears its name, after selling a rumoured 85% stake to Luxembourg firm Genii Capital in the off-season.

Amid the global financial crunch and the damage to the brand inflicted by the ‘Crashgate’ scandal, the parent company off-loaded much of its investment in the F1 team that had achieved back-to-back Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

Under its new owners, Gerard Lopez and with team fronted by Eric Boullier, the outfit has performed ahead of expectations in 2010, with Robert Kubica having picked up three podium finishes to-date.

It now seems that – with the financial situation having sorted itself out (for now!) – Renault is interested in getting more involved again and making a wholehearted return to the grid.

One thing’s for sure, you can bet that Genii Capital will be selling back the shares at a much higher rate than at which they bought them!

[Original image via Grand Prix Miniatures]