In SU(3) lattice gauge theory in four dimensions we compute the first
eight perturbative coefficients of the expectation value of the Wilson
loop on the elementary plaquette which is related to the gluon conden
sate. This result is obtained by using a numerical method recently pro
posed, Only the first three coefficients have been computed analytical
ly, The coefficients grow with the order. We show that this growth is
related to the non-convergence of the perturbative expansion due to th
e infrared renormalon associated to the gluon condensate. This conclus
ion is based on assuming that the renormalon expansion is expressed in
a continuum coupling (e.g. in the <(MS)over bar> scheme),taking into
account the large perturbative corrections between the continuum and t
he lattice coupling (up to three loops in <(MS)over bar>). To corrobor
ate this conclusion we have computed, with less statistics, the first
eight perturbative coefficients for the double plaquette. The coeffici
ents for the elementary and double plaquette grow in a similar way and
this is in agreement with the universality of the renormalon singular
ity.