Lotus F1 team switching to Mercedes power for 2015 - Team VVV

News Lotus F1 team switching to Mercedes power for 2015

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James Allen

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The Lotus F1 team has confirmed it will be switching to Mercedes-Benz power for next year's Formula One season.

After three years with Renault V8 and V6 powertrains, Lotus has now signed a "long-term supply agreement" with Mercedes-Benz, which will run from 2015 until the end of the current F1 power unit's lifespan.

Though the power unit itself will be provided by Mercedes, Lotus has confirmed the 2015 season's E23 Hybrid will be equipped with an eight-speed sequential gearbox built at the Lotus F1 base in Enstone, UK.

According to Matthew Carter (Lotus F1 Team's CEO), the new engine deal will potentially "herald a new era of success for Lotus", with the overall aim for next year being to "return to the front of the field" and "being a strong championship contender once more".

With Lotus filling in the void left by McLaren's switch to Honda power, Mercedes will still be an engine supplier for three customer teams – Williams Martini Racing, Sahara Force India and Lotus F1 –  throughout the 2015 season.

It's currently unknown whether Caterham F1, Infiniti Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso will definitely retain their Renault power units for next year.

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