Renault's 2016 team launch to be streamed live

Renault will offer a live online stream of their 2016 Formula One team launch event, which will be held at the French manufacturer's Technocentre in Guyancourt on Wednesday, February 3.

Having completed their takeover of the Lotus team late last year, Renault are set to make several revelations during the event - including a new identity, team personnel and livery, the latter of which they teased on social media (main image) on Tuesday.

Kevin Magnussen is also expected to be unveiled as Jolyon Palmer's team mate for the forthcoming 2016 FIA Formula One World Championship, after Pastor Maldonado - who had originally been set to drive - announced his departure from the Enstone squad yesterday.

If confirmed, Magnussen's F1 return will come four months after he lost his role as McLaren reserve. The Dane made his debut with the team in 2015, scoring a podium in his opening race in Australia, but was then shuffled to a reserve role due to the arrival of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.

The event, which begins at 1315 CET (1215 GMT) will be streamed live via the Renault Sport website.

2016 confirmed launches and roll-outs:

TEAM	CHASSIS (POWER UNIT)	DATE	VENUE
Renault	TBC (Renault)	February 3 (livery only)	Paris, France
Red Bull	RB12 (TAG Heuer)	February 17 (livery only)	London, UK
McLaren	MP4-31 (Honda)	February 21	Online
Haas	TBC (Ferrari)	February 22	Barcelona, Spain
Marussia	TBC (Mercedes)	February 22	Barcelona, Spain
Sauber	C35 (Ferrari)	March 1	Barcelona, Spain

(source: f1.com)

Paffett joins Williams as simulator driver

Former McLaren test and reserve driver Gary Paffett has been appointed as Williams’ simulator driver for 2016.

In his new role Paffett, 34, will assist the squad’s vehicle science department in developing the Mercedes-powered FW38 at their factory in Grove throughout the year.

“I am really pleased to be joining the Williams team as the simulator driver to aid in the development of this year’s car,” said the Englishman, who took part in 72 official Formula One test days between 2001 and 2013, completing 4,971 laps and clocking up 22,745 km.

“The team has such a great pedigree and history in Formula One. I look forward to supporting the team over this year in my new role.”

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal, added, “We’re delighted to have someone with Gary’s experience join us at Williams. He is a highly professional racing driver and his level of testing knowledge, and ability to analyse data, will significantly help to drive forward development of the FW38 throughout the season.”

Alongside his Formula One test commitments, Paffett has raced in the German DTM series with Mercedes since 2003, winning the title in 2005. He left McLaren, where he conducted extensive simulator work, at the end of 2014.

Williams, who have finished third in the constructors’ championship for the last two seasons, lost former test driver Susie Wolff to retirement at the end of 2015.

(source: f1.com)