Lotus F1 team to use Red Bull gearboxes from 2011

LONDON,(Reuters) - Formula One’s Lotus Racing will use gearboxes and hydraulic systems provided by Red Bull Technology next season in a multi-year deal, the Malaysian-owned team said on Tuesday.

The team, who plan to change their name to Team Lotus in 2011, have already ended their partnership with engine provider Cosworth and are also expected to link up with championship-leading Red Bull’s supplier Renault.

Lotus, who have yet to score a point in 15 races since bringing the once-great marque back into the sport, have used Xtrac gearboxes and hydraulic systems this year but have suffered from unreliability.

“The announcement... 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,” said team technical head Mike Gascoyne in a statement.

“The removal of the double diffusers in 2011 will allow the whole grid to tighten up the rear bodywork and mechanical structures around the gearbox, and this supply deal will allow us to capitalise on that with our 2011 car.”