Lotus commit to long-term engine deal with Renault

With Lotus hitting the track for the first time during winter testing, the Enstone based team have confirmed their engine tie-up with Renault.

Announcing that Lotus would remain with Renault was a formality, but the announcement also confirmed that the deal was for the forthcoming season and beyond [some reports indicate 2018].

The long-term deal ends any speculation that Lotus were set to switch engines, after rumours were abound that they had held talks with both Mercedes and Ferrari.

Renault have enjoyed a good relationship with the Enstone based team, with three F1 Drivers and Constructors titles coming under the previous guises of Benetton and Renault.

Lotus F1 Team CEO Matthew Carter added: ?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 One and we are pleased to embrace it together with Renault Sport F1.?

The announcement couldn’t come at a better time for Renault, after the French engine manufacturer has struggled in winter testing, following the regulation changes to hybrid 1.6-litre turbocharged V6’s.

Lotus, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso have all struggled for mileage during the winter test sessions in Jerez and Bahrain thus far, although Caterham enjoyed some success on Wednesday.

?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.? President of Renault Sport F1 Jean-Michel Jalinier told formula1.com.