Lotus Renault GP reveals livery in Birmingham
13 January 2011
Birmingham’s NEC was the venue as the newly-branded Lotus Renault GP outfit unveiled the final version of its 2011 livery at the Autosport Show on Thursday. The John Player Special-inspired colour scheme of the late 1970s follows a team buy-in from Norfolk-based sports car manufacturer Group Lotus, owned by Proton.
Although Enstone’s Renault – which is now set to run under an English racing licence as opposed to a French – had already revealed that a black and gold colour scheme would be used for 2011, quashing the plans of Tony Fernandes’ Team Lotus in the process, the final edition was yet to be viewed until today.
The car, predominantly black but with a gold trim, also features red wing end fences and mirrors courtesy of sponsorship from French petroleum firm Total. Both Poland’s Robert Kubica and Russia’s Vitaly Petrov are contracted to the squad until the end of the 2012 season.
"I’m pretty sure everyone will be excited to see the new F1 livery up close at the NEC but, in addition to F1, the show will be the first time so many of our race cars will be united in one location," comments Lotus Director of Motorsport Claudio Berro.
"The event will provide the perfect opportunity for fans of the Lotus marque to come and have a look at the exciting developments we have made in the past year. We’re also delighted to bring our IndyCar to the show, especially, as we will be celebrating the 100th Indy 500 race with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this year."