Although Renault's takeover of the Lotus outfit was only completed in December, the Enstone team's efforts to prepare its 2016 car was not delayed.

In a tweet sent on Wednesday, Lotus confirmed that the crash tests - mandatory for the car to run on track - were now done.

Renault plans to confirm its new identity, management team and drivers at a media event in Paris on February 3. It released a teaser trailer for its return to F1 earlier this week (see below).

It is understood that a car livery will also be unveiled at the Paris event, although it is unclear if this will be on the bespoke 2016 chassis or a modified version of last year's model.

The team has announced that its drivers will be Jolyon Palmer and Pastor Maldonado - but the latter's future has been in doubt, amid speculation that sponsor PDVSA has been late with payments.

ART team boss Frederic Vasseur has long been tipped for a senior role at the outfit, with Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul also expected to have a high profile position.

Renault launch trailer: