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Lotus E23 passes crash tests

Lotus tested a 2015 nose in Austin last year © Getty Images

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Lotus has confirmed its 2015 challenger has passed the FIA's mandatory crash tests.

The Lotus E23 will be powered by Mercedes after the team's switch from Renault power, a partnership which endured a frustrating season in 2014. Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado have been retained with fresh optimism the new engine partnership could propel Lotus back up the grid.

Lotus confirmed the news to its followers on Twitter, along with a teaser picture of the E23, and joins Sauber, McLaren and Toro Rosso in confirming its 2015 machine has passed the mandatory tests.

Back from passing its @FIA chassis homologation tests, our #E23 is coming together very nicely… #sneakpeek pic.twitter.com/zAVyWaE4rd

— Lotus F1 Team (@Lotus_F1Team) January 16, 2015

Winter testing begins at the start of February in Jerez.

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