Thursday 28 May at 10:31 : May 28 (GMM) Flavio Briatore could buy Renault's formula one team and continue to run it in 2010 and beyond, according to media reports

The reports, in Italy's Autosprint and also carried by the Dutch publication Formule 1 Race Report, tie in with persistent rumours that the French carmaker is contemplating pulling out of the sport at the end of this season

It is suggested that, amid the slump in new car sales, three seasons of average race results, the expiring contract of title sponsor ING, and the likely departure of Fernando Alonso, Renault - already threatening to quit over the Max Mosley rules dispute - is set to decide the time is right to step out

The specialist magazine Autosprint said Renault, who currently also supply customer V8s to Red Bull Racing, may continue to supply engines

Romain Grosjean, Renault's high profile reserve driver, is mentioned as a likely driver for a Briatore-branded entrant