Lotus and Renault confirm partnership extension

A day after their new Renault-powered car made its formal test debut in Bahrain, Lotus have officially confirmed the extension of their successful chassis-engine partnership with Renault for 2014 and beyond.

For the coming season, Renault will supply the team with its cutting-edge Energy F1-2014 power unit, designed for the radical new 2014 technical regulations. It unites a V6 turbocharged direct injection internal combustion engine with two motor generator units that harvest energy dissipated in the exhaust gasses and brakes and deploy it as both electrical and mechanical power.

“We are pleased to see our partnership officially confirmed as the E22 takes to the track for its first official test,” said Jean-Michel Jalinier, President of Renault Sport F1. “The relationship between Viry and Enstone has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. This is illustrated in no better way than the excellent - and very close - collaboration on the 2014 car, which is more technically complex than any previous designs. We hope this spirit will pay dividends on track this season and going forward into the new F1 technical era.”

The extension continues a long and successful history of collaboration that first started in 1995 when Renault supplied its V10 engine to Benetton, as the team was then known. Success came quickly, with the partnership securing the constructors’ world title in its first year. Renault F1 Team was created in 2002 as Renault purchased the team, with Enstone the base for the chassis operations and Viry-Chatillon the hub for engine activities.

Under the Renault banner, the team re-emerged as a dominant force, with Fernando Alonso taking back to back world titles in 2005 and 2006. Renault’s decision to re-centre F1 activities around engine supply led to a majority shareholding being sold to Genii Capital in 2009 before the Luxembourg-based group purchased 100 percent control at the end of 2010. Renault has since remained involved as the team’s engine partner, aiding the team to re-emerge as front runners in recent seasons.

“Lotus F1 Team and Renault Sport F1 have enjoyed a successful partnership these past few years and we look forward to continue to build on our relationship and collaboration in 2014 and beyond,” added Matthew Carter, Lotus F1 Team CEO. “It is the beginning of a new era in Formula One and we are pleased to embrace it together with Renault Sport F1.”