Aerolab, which is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Force India, has announced a new partnership with Lotus F1 Racing.

Based in Sant'Agata Bolognese in Italy, Aerolab is to join forces with parent-company Fondtech (Casumaro di Cento, Italy) to help the new Norfolk-based team as it opens a fresh chapter in the history of Lotus, one of the most successful and recognisable names in grand prix racing.

With one of the most advanced model wind tunnels in motorsport and a 50-strong team of engineers and technicians, Aerolab has been at the forefront of Formula 1 car development since the company's foundation in 2004, helping the likes of Toyota, Renault and most recently Force India.

"We are very enthusiastic about the new partnership between ourselves and Lotus F1 Racing," said Jean-Claude Migeot, Aerolab Managing Director. "I am also confident in the potential of our team as well as the future synergy between Lotus F1 Racing, Fondtech and Aerolab."

"I'm glad to have Aerolab on board with us alongside Fondtech," added Lotus F1 Racing's Team Principal Tony Fernandes. "The collaboration between the three parties is key to ensuring that Lotus' first car is not only ready in time for testing at the beginning of 2010, but that its rate of development continues throughout the season."

"It's great to be working alongside Jean-Claude and his staff again," said Mike Gascoyne, Lotus' Chief Technical Officer. "The teams I've been involved with before unquestionably benefited from Aerolab's resources and know-how so it was an easy decision on my part to renew that relationship when it came to Lotus. Together, I'm hopeful of producing a competitive package that will compare favourably against the established order in 2010."