Lotus F1 team renews engine deal with Renault

Lotus Renault driver Kimi Raikkonen of Finland steers his car during the first practice session of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix May 23, 2013. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini

(Reuters) - Lotus and Renault have extended their Formula One partnership for 2014 and beyond, both sides announced in a statement on Thursday.

The deal was seen as a formality, with Lotus testing in Bahrain this week with their new car ahead of the season starting in Australia on March 16.