Jan.15 (GMM) Lotus has become the next F1 team to announce a launch date for its 2010 car.

The new Malaysian-backed outfit, based in Norfolk (UK), said its first single seater will be unveiled on February 12.

The news was announced by team boss Tony Fernandes on his Twitter page.

"Turning on engines on the fifth, official launch 12 February," he wrote.

Lotus will then join the third group test of the pre-season, the four-day session scheduled between February 17-20 at Jerez.

"If you look at our engineering department, our driver lineup and our budget we are and we should be one of the strongest (new teams)," Italian driver Jarno Trulli told Reuters on Thursday at Lotus' Hingham factory.

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