Lotus has announced that it will celebrate a successful first season with the Microsoft Corporation by extending the terms of its partnership until at least the end of 2016.

Following the successful first phase roll-out of Microsoft Dynamics at the team's factory in 2012, the remainder of the current contract has been extended from two to four years.

Microsoft Dynamics branding will continue to feature on Lotus F1 Team's 2013 car as well as the drivers' overalls and team members' uniforms. Microsoft Dynamics will continue to be directly engaged in the on-going business transformation at Enstone and trackside.

"It is fantastic for Lotus F1 Team to strengthen our relationship with Microsoft," said Patrick Louis, Lotus F1 Team's Chief Executive Officer. "Such a proactive move illustrates the high regard they have for our business. Through the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics at Enstone we are evaluating every aspect of how we work and the improvements in efficiency allow us to become yet more competitive on track. We have seen the fruits of this partnership in 2012 with Phase One of the project; Phase Two is well underway. Extending the commitment and partnership with Microsoft Dynamics until at least the end of 2016 is especially rewarding in the current economic climate."

"As an official Business Transformation Partner of Lotus F1 Team in 2012 we have witnessed exciting times," added Christian Pedersen, General Manager, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Product Marketing, "both in the factory, where Phase One implementation of Microsoft Dynamics and Lotus F1 Team's business transformation was completed in record time, and on track, where we have seen results and exposure beyond our expectations.

"We can herald this partnership with Lotus F1 Team as a best-practice for our existing and new clients. We are excited to strengthen our bond further and look forward to see the manifestation of this hard work in the factory with even stronger results in 2013."