Renault has held talks with Force India in regards to purchasing a majority stake in the Formula One team according to Autosport.
Renault are currently looking to return as a full-works manufacturer with Lotus, Force India or Toro Rosso the likely teams they are interested in.
According to reports, Force India boss Vijay Mallya spoke to Renault consultant and four-time Formula One world champion, Alain Prost on Friday evening.
“Yesterday was a conversation from their side to update me on the fact no decision has been taken, they haven’t made a proposal about the board of Renault,” said Mallya.
“Secondly, he wanted to know how I would feel about shareholding. Would we be willing to consider being a minority. If so, what would be our aspirations.
“We didn’t talk about engine supply at all.
“We talked generally about their interest in about potentially becoming a constructor, that they are talking to multiple teams and about what is my vision and what is possible and not possible.
“They asked me: ‘Would you be prepared to part with a majority stake?’
“If I said no, maybe it would have been end of conversation.
“I said it has to be considered, in light of a potential offer, and secondly I asked what are the minority protection rights you offer?
“There is no deal on the table. They have not made a decision about their plans. It’s very preliminary.”
Force India’s board consists of three parties, Mallya, the Sahara Group and the Mol family, all of whom will have to agree to any potential deal.
Mallya confirmed Renault were interested in purchasing other teams including Lotus, who are the most likely at this current stage.
