LADA, the infamous Russian saloon that has been the butt of countless cruel jibes, is set to enter Forumula One.

When the Renault team lines up in Bahrain this weekend its cars will carry Lada logos.

The deal is part of a sponsorship arrangement with Lada’s Russian parent firm AvtoVaz, which Renault owns a 25 per cent stake in.

Team bosses hope the sponsorship will help promote the sport in Russia.

Renault has signed Russia’s Vitaly Petrov as one of its drivers and prime minister Vladimir Putin has endorsed the deal ahead as part of Moscow’s plans to host a grand prix in the Russian capital.