Lotus confirms extended Renault partnership
Lotus F1 Team and Renault Sport F1 have officially confirmed an extension of their partnership, ensuring that Lotus cars will be powered by Renault drivetrains from 2014 and beyond.
Renault will supply the team with its Energy F1-2014 Power Unit for the coming season. The Energy F1-2014 is a cutting edge power plant designed for the radical new 2014 technical regulations, which unite 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 as both electrical and mechanical power. When combined the energy systems will be more than 35% more energy efficient than the previous V8 generation thanks to technical and sporting regulations that prescribe a fuel flow limit of 100kg/h and maximum quantity of 100kg permitted per race.
The extension continues the long and successful history of collaboration that first started in 1995 when Renault supplied its legendary V10 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 chassis operations and Viry-Châtillon 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% control at the end of 2010. Renault has since remained involved as the team’s engine partner, aiding the team to re-emerge as a front running team in recent seasons.
Jean-Michel Jalinier, President of Renault Sport F1, commented: “We are pleased to see our partnership officially confirmed as the E22 takes to the track for its first official test. 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.”
Matthew Carter, Lotus F1 Team CEO, commented: “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. It is the beginning of a new era in Formula 1 and we are pleased to embrace it together with Renault Sport F1.”
