Formula 1

Kevin Magnussen confirmed at Renault Sport F1 team launch

Published Feb. 3, 2016 9:13 a.m. ET

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Adam Cooper

Renault unveiled its Formula One team's new identity in Paris today, while also formally confirming that Kevin Magnussen will partner Jolyon Palmer in 2016.

The former Lotus outfit will officially be known as Renault Sport F1 Team. The Renault Sport brand is a key part of the marketing strategy as the company tries to link F1 and other racing programs to its high performance road cars.

"Motorsports still spark the imagination of both enthusiasts and everyday drivers, and we are putting a comprehensive program in place today, Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn said. "Formula One is a big part of our efforts to boost awareness of Renault, particularly in markets where Renault is a newcomer, and will enhance the transfer of technologies from the track to our road cars."

ART GP2 boss Frederic Vasseur has assumed the role of racing director, while after a successful spell at Renault, Bob Bell returned to Enstone last year to become chief technical officer.

Renault unveiled its new car in the form of the RS16, a type number that harks back to the original RS01 F1 car of 1977. Later works cars used the RE designation, for Renault Elf, while the Enstone cars during the 2000s were known as R202 and so on.

The launch car has a predominantly black livery, with a limited amount of yellow. It carries prominent branding from Infiniti, as well as from Jack and Jones.

Esteban Ocon has been confirmed as the team's test driver. Ocon was with Lotus until 2014 before joining Mercedes as a junior driver last year.

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