The announcement was made by the team via a press statement this week, providing the media with one more hint about their likely partnership with Renault in 2011. Once that move will also be completed, this means Lotus will use the same engine, gearbox and hydraulics as Red Bull, the only difference between the two outfits being the car's aerodynamics.
“The announcement that we have reached a multi-year agreement with Red Bull Technology for the supply of our gearboxes and hydraulics from 2011 is obviously a massive step forward for us, both in engineering terms, and as an expression of our ambitions for next year and for future Championships,” announced chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne on Tuesday.
“The gearbox / hydraulics package obviously plays a critical role in the performance of the car, not just on track but in design and packaging terms, and this deal gives our design and aero teams a very exciting platform to work with. (...) Exciting times lie ahead!” added Gacoyne, who has also signed a 5-year extension with Lotus last week.
Through the 2010 season, Lotus F1 Racing has been using Cosworth power, along with Xtrac gearbox and hydraulics.
“We are very pleased about Lotus Racing's decision to use Red Bull Technology gearboxes and hydraulic systems from 2011. The fact that Red Bull Technology has been chosen to be a supplier to another team despite its short history demonstrates how much we have achieved since our first season,” said Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner.
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