Renault ambassador Alain Prost has dismissed rumours Lotus could become the French carmaker’s works team.
Lotus boss Eric Boullier revealed at Suzuka he is discussing "a branding opportunity" with the team’s engine supplier for 2014, "and maybe something even closer".
It sparked rumours Renault, falling into the background at Red Bull due to the Infiniti deal, could be looking to make Enstone its works team yet again.
But quadruple world champion Prost told Germany’s Auto Bild: "I can say that Renault will keep its strategy of being only an engine supplier.
"A works team in the distant future is not impossible, but not at the moment," he added.