Lotus Renault GP
Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 4EE,
Enstone
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December 8, 2010 - officially merged Group Lotus which is owned by Proton with Renault F1 Team, whose majority shareholder is the Genii Capital company. The new team is called the "Lotus Renault GP". Agreement is valid until 2017. The new car - R31, will have black-and-gold color and refers to the vehicle from the 70s and 80s. At the same time Renault announced creation Renault Sport F1 division, based in Viry-Chatillon, who will be responsible for the supply of Renault engines and technology in F1.
January 31, 2011 - new car was presented. Racing drivers are Vitaly Petrov (RUS) and Robert Kubica (POL), but the Polish driver suffers serious injuries in an accident during the Rally Ronde di Andorra driving Skoda s2000 and is replaced by Nick Heidfeld (GER).
August 24, 2011 - Bruno Senna (BRA) officially replaces Nick Heidfeld (GER).
November 3, 2011 - Lotus Renault GP changes its name to Lotus F1 Team from 2012, after approve of F1 commission and becomes the only outfit running with Lotus name, following a long-running dispute between Team Lotus and the road car company Group Lotus.
January 5, 2012 - official presentation of new car - E20. Drivers are: Romain Grosjean (FRA) and Kimi Raikkonen (FIN).
January 28, 2013 - official presentation of new car - E21. Drivers are: Romain Grosjean (FRA) and Kimi Raikkonen (FIN).