F1: Renault makes Prost ambassador

Former Formula One Champion Alain Prost is now an ambassador for French car and commercial vehicle maker, Renault. Prost began his racing career in karts and the Formula Renault series in the '70s.

The four-time champion drove for Renault's factory F1 team in the early '80s before he was sacked and signed to McLaren in 1984. Relations between the French driver and Renault are obviously much better now...

Referred to as a "new dimension to their collaborative effort", Renault says its partnership with Prost "will place all his technical expertise, professionalism and renown at the service of Renault and its products."

This year Prost will also "take part as a Renault driver in sports demonstrations and also as a representative at events organised or attended by Renault."

"Renault's history is intimately linked to that of motorsport and I have a deep attachment to the brand, with which I achieved some of the greatest successes in my sporting career," Prost said. "I accepted this mission with pleasure and I intend to accomplish it with professionalism."

Prost is known for his quick temper, rivalry with Ayrton Senna and ability to tune engines. Renault's CEO, Carlos Tavares said: "Alain is without a doubt one of the most demanding 'customers' that Renault has ever had! He is the best-qualified personality for talking about the progress made by Renault in the last few years on quality, technological innovation and performance."

Renault currently supplies the Red Bull Racing with its RS27 V8 engine. The naturally aspirated 2.4-litre unit is tuned to spin at the FIA-regulated 18,000rpm and can make around 650kW.

Click here for the latest news from the Australian Grand Prix brought to you by Megane RS250

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site