Official: Renault with Lotus for 2014 and beyond

It was through two tweets that Renault confirmed information that already seemed assured: the partnership for 2014 between Lotus F1 and Renault Sport F1 for the supply of V6 turbo engines.

Jean-Michel Jalinier, president of Renault Sport F1, expressed his delight at this extension: “We are delighted to officially announce the extension of our partnership with the Lotus F1 Team, on the day the new E22 takes to the track for its first official tests. The ties between Enstone and Viry-Châtillon have continued to strengthen in recent years. This has been demonstrated with the design of the 2014 car, technically more complex than all its predecessors and developed in close collaboration between our two structures. We sincerely hope that this mindset will be reflected on the track and will allow us to succeed in this new technical era in Formula 1.”

Matthew Carter, executive director of Lotus, hails a “fruitful” collaboration: « The partnership between the Lotus F1 Team and Renault Sport F1 has been successful in recent seasons, and we look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration in 2014 and beyond. A new era is opening in F1, and we are happy to approach this technical revolution with Renault Sport. »

The history between the Enstone factory and Renault began during the Benetton era when, after the 1994 season where the team, under the Italian flag, won the drivers’ title with Michael Schumacher driving a Ford-powered car. In 1995, Renault provided its services to Benetton, and the season resulted in a drivers’ championship and constructors’ championship double, again with Michael Schumacher at the wheel. This collaboration lasted until 1997, after which, following the withdrawal of the French brand from the premier discipline, Renault engines were still used but under the name Playlife.

2001 will mark the return of Renault, first as an engine supplier for Benetton and then, after purchasing the structure, as a full-fledged team based in Enstone from 2002. This alliance will lead to two world constructors’ championships in 2005 and 2006. After two disappointing seasons in 2007 and 2008, Renault maintains its commitment to F1 at the dawn of the 2009 season. But the Crashgate scandal and poor results will hasten the departure of the French brand, which will nonetheless remain an engine supplier for the Enstone factory under the aegis of Genii Capital. A partnership that is expected to continue for several more years.

More information to come…