Lotus to use Renault gearbox in 2011

Renault is likely to supply not only the engine but also the gearbox to Lotus in 2011, according to reports.

Turun Sanomat, close to the team’s Finnish driver Heikki Kovalainen, also said that after using standard Xtrac hydraulics this season, Lotus is designing its own system for 2011.

The Lotus/Renault tie up, with the French marque also to supply the F1 team’s electronics next year, could be part of a bigger arrangement with Group Lotus, the separately Malaysian-owned sports car company.

Currently, Lotus road cars are powered by Toyota engines.

"Next year’s (F1) car is well under way," technical boss Mike Gascoyne told F1’s official website. "The main focus now is on 2011 - to make sure we take a big step forward."