Renault-chef Patrick Faure has announced the withdrawal of Renault from Formula One at the end of next year's season in Paris (France) today. The reason for this, he said, is that Renault has reached the goals set when they rejoined the top of motorracing seven years ago.

Benetton and Williams, who are using the Renault engines now, need to look for a new engine manufacturer when their contract ends with Renault at the end of 1997.

The Renault presence in Formula One has been a successful one, of the 216 races they started they have won 80.

Renault will announce the new sporting strategy soon.

Damon Hill was sad about the decision by Renault: "I've driven with Renault for six years and tested with them since 1991. I've won all my Grands Prix with them and I'm saddened that they're leaving. All things change over time and they felt they had achieved as much as they can, and who can argue with that?"

Frank Williams said: "We deeply regret Renault's decision to leave Formula One at the end of 1997. They have contributed enormously to Williams' success of recent years. Since 1989 they have worked hard and we have enjoyed an exemplorary and enjoyable relationship which will continue until the last race of 1997."

Jean-Christophe Boullion was again the fastest man on the Silverstone (England) track with 1:26.75. Damon Hill was again second with 1:26.91. Mika Hakkinen drove his McLaren-Mercedes to a 1:27.57, third fastest.