“2014 is a foundation-laying year for Renault in China thanks to the agreement we have reached with our partner Dong-Feng to manufacture Renault vehicles locally. Renault has considerable experience in motorsport and has been active in Formula 1 for more than 35 years. It was therefore normal that we should wish to take advantage of the Chinese Grand Prix to send a small sign to our Chinese friends, staff and partners. That is why, along with Lotus F1 Team, we have decided to proudly display Renault’s name in Chinese characters along the cars’ sides for the race in Shanghai.” Michael van der Sande, Senior Vice-President Marketing, Renault.
In 2013 Renault signed a JV agreement with Dong-Feng Motors to form Dong-Feng Renault Automotive Company (DRAC). The first cars produced by the joint venture are dated to go on sale in 2016.
Earlier in February 2014, F1 Team and Renault Sport F1 confirmed an extension of their chassis-engine partnership for 2014 and beyond.
Renault will supply the team with its Energy F1-2014 Power Unit for the coming season. The new power plant combines a V6 turbocharged direct injection internal combustion engine with 2 motor generator units. This results in 35% more energy efficiency than the earlier V8 gen to conform with technical and sporting regulations that have determined a fuel flow limit of 100kg/h and maximum quantity of 100kg permitted per race.
Jean-Michel Jalinier, President of Renault Sport F1, commented: “We are pleased to see our partnership officially confirmed as the E22 takes to the track for its first official test. The relationship between Viry and Enstone has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. This is illustrated in no better way than the excellent – and very close – collaboration on the 2014 car, which is more technically complex than any previous designs. We hope this spirit will pay dividends on track this season and going forward into the new F1 technical era.”
Matthew Carter, Lotus F1 Team Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Lotus F1 Team and Renault Sport F1 have enjoyed a successful partnership these past few years and we look forward to continue to build on our relationship and collaboration in 2014 and beyond. It is the beginning of a new era in Formula 1 and we are pleased to embrace it together with Renault Sport F1.”
