Lotus Renault to Show 2011 Livery Next Week

Renault will likely confirm the launch of the 2011 single-seater for late January, joining all the other championship “big guns” that have done the same in recent days – Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull. However, the new car livery for next season, since part of Renault has been purchased by Group Lotus last December, will be unveiled much sooner.

According to a report from the GMM news agency, Lotus Renault Racing will unveil their brand new black and gold livery – heritage of the Lotus name in Formula One – late next week, at the Autosport International show. Wearing the new livery will be the 2010 challenger however, as the new car still needs some refinement until its public debut in Valencia.

A similar move was made by Mercedes Grand Prix last season, when the Germans showed their 2010 livery on a 2009-spec Brawn GP car prior to the new challenger's media debut.

In Lotus Renault's case however, the time of the livery unveiling will be expected not only by the Lotus and Renault fans everywhere, but by the entire F1 paddock. And the reason is simple: just before Christmas, Team Lotus have also presented their 2011 livery, using the same black and gold combination.

In related news, Ferrari have also confirmed that they will unveil their 2011 car in late January, a few days before the first official winter test of the year, in Valencia. Ferrari's unveiling ceremony will take place at Maranello, after which the car will be packed for Valencia the next day.

The majority of the 2011 challengers will be expected to run in Valencia between February 1-3, including McLaren, Red Bull, Sauber, Toro Rosso, Lotus Renault and Team Lotus.