Lotus F1 Team, Renault Sport F1 extend partnership

French car and engine maker will supply the Lotus F1 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 35pc 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 100pc 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.