This is one of those news items that makes you consider the meaning of Déjà vu. Haven’t we been here before? Surely Alain Prost has been an ambassador for Renault since forever, just like Jackie Stewart was for Jaguar and Jean Alesi for… er, Lotus.

Mais non! (did you notice that subtle, almost Prost-like switch to French?)

Apparently it’s more than 30 years since Renault and the four-time F1 champion got together, but up until now France’s most successful grand prix driver seems to have spurned attempts at a closer relationship.

By accepting to become a brand ambassador, Alain Prost will place all his technical expertise, professionalism and renown at the disposal of Renault and its products, taking part in Renaultsport demonstrations and representing the car maker at industry events.

“Renault’s history is intimately linked to that of motorsport and I have a deep attachment to the brand, with which I achieved some of the greatest successes in my sporting career, Alain Prost said. I accepted this mission with pleasure and I intend to accomplish it with professionalism.”

“We are delighted that Alain Prost has accepted the role as our brand ambassador. Carlos Tavares, Chief Operating Officer said. As a four-time Formula 1 champion renowned the world over for his technical expertise, Alain is without a doubt one of the most demanding ‘customers’ that Renault has ever had! He is the best-qualified personality for talking about the progress made by Renault in the last few years on quality, technological innovation and performance.”

Alain Prost recently reclaimed the Trophée d’Andros ice-racing title in a Dacia (Renault) Lodgy “Glace” and will take the wheel of a Renault Duster on 23 February at the Race Stars in Moscow, for his first appearance as a Renault brand ambassador.