Lotus Renault, the team that raced as Renault last season, have unveiled the black and gold livery of their 2011 F1 car at the Autosport International show in Birmingham.
Team driver Vitaly Petrov and former F1 driver Jean Alesi removed the covers from the car to reveal the iconic colours, made famous by the JPS-branded Team Lotus cars, the first of which made its debut in 1972.
Speaking at the event, Petrov realises the significance of racing under the Lotus name in 2011. “I didn't know much about F1 and Lotus when I was young,” explained the Russian. “But when I came to Europe I felt a sense of the Lotus history and this left a big impression on me. Being part of this squad makes me very happy and also proud. My ambitions for 2011 are clear: I will do my best and fight for poles and podium finishes.”
Eric Bouiller, the Lotus Renault team principal, said that the team’s choice of drivers for next season and the new partnership with Proton, owners of the Lotus name, provides them with many opportunities going forward: “Our line up with Lotus gives us a sense of stability. This commitment is a great achievement for us and through this we have a long-term vision. This is obviously very exciting for us and we are all thrilled at the opportunities ahead. I strongly believe that with Vitaly and Robert Kubica we have the best drivers for our F1 team.”
