Bell & Ross Partners with Renault Sport Formula One Team

By Victoria Townsend | February 3, 2016

Bell & Ross took us by surprise earlier today when it announced its official partnership with the new Renault Sport Formula One Team, thereby entering for the first time into what is considered to be one of the most expensive and glamorous sports in the world.

Better known for its aviation inspiration since its launch of the BR01 pilot watch in 2005 – a square-shaped timepiece designed with the idea of transforming a plane’s cockpit into a wristwatch – the French luxury watchbrand with independent production facilities in La Chaux-de-Fonds proudly announced this new role as the Official Watch Partner and sponsor of the French automobile manufacturer’s new racing team.

Renault officially announced its comeback and new Formula 1 team at a press conference today, two months after having announced its purchase of Lotus. Called “Renault F1 Team” from 2002 to 2010 when it withdrew from the sport, the new official name “Renault Sport F1 Team” is formulated to link the image of the racing team to the brand’s range of automobiles. For fans, known names include Bob Bell as their new F1 Technical Director heading the team of Nick Chester and Rémi Taffin, and confirmed pilots Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer accompanied by Esteban Ocon as third and test pilot.

The provisional colours of the Renault RS16 are essentially black with touches of yellow, but these are expected to change before Melbourne.

Bell & Ross CEO Carlos Rosillo had this to say:

“Today, we are honored to release this exciting news: Bell & Ross enters Formula 1 in pole position! Our collaboration with Renault Sport Formula One Team marks a new milestone for Bell & Ross… the result of an encounter that gave us the desire to work together. Our two companies are passionate about mechanics and it is clear that we are both working with the ongoing pursuit of innovation, precision and performance. We hope this will be a lucky partnership on both sides and that we will make people dream and arouse our fans’ passion for wonderful mechanics!”