Lotus to make 2011 announcements on Friday

Lotus has scheduled a raft of "exciting announcements" for Friday in Singapore.

According to widespread paddock sentiment, the press conference will include confirmation of a technical tie-up with Renault, and an official change of name to the historic ’Team Lotus’.

Indeed, a team-liveried AirAsia plane shown off by team and airline owner Tony Fernandes on Thursday is already emblazoned with a ’Team Lotus’ logo.

Almost certainly also on the agenda will be confirmation of the 2011 driver lineup.

Asked about the rumours in Singapore on Thursday evening, Heikki Kovalainen said: "Let’s put it this way and then leave it at that; I know where I want to be."

Fernandes said: "We’ll be making a couple of very exciting announcements."