The launch was streamed live from the team’s Enstone base via their YouTube channel on Monday night to fans across the globe.

The E21 was the first car to be unveiled, with McLaren set to launch their car for 2013 in the coming days followed by Ferrari and Force India.

Lotus will be hoping to build on their impressive year in 2012 which saw Kimi Raikkonen claim victory in Abu Dhabi last November.

With only limited changes to last years technical and sporting regulations, the E21 is very similar to its predecessor, the E20.

The livery also remains similar with just an extra touch of red being incorporated into the legendary colour scheme.

To continue with the theme, the drivers line-up is exactly the same as 2012 with former F1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen partnering Romain Grosjean.

The Finn is hopeful that Lotus can continue their fantastic 2012 form into the new season and that more Grand Prix wins are on the way.

“Last year was my return to Formula 1 and it went pretty well.” Raikkonen told the official Lotus F1 Team website.

“This year will be my second with Lotus F1 Team and my eleventh season overall in Formula 1 so I’ve got a pretty good idea of what to expect.

“For me, I will continue to do the best I can; let’s see how good our car is, and how good the cars of the opposition are too.”

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