Lotus F1 News

[Feffman]

Lotus Signings a 'Statement of Intent'

 

By Matt Beer

Wednesday, June 2nd 2010, 17:52 GMT

 

 

Lotus' chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne has described the signing of leading design personnel Mark Smith, Marianne Hinson and Lewis Butler from Force India as a 'statement of intent'.

 

He says drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen knew when they joined up that moves to recruit the trio were underway, and that this was key to convincing the two experienced racers to take a chance on the start-up team.

 

"Certainly starting next year and targeting where we're going to be next year and beyond, this is a significant statement of intent," Gascoyne told AUTOSPORT. "A little bit like signing Jarno and Heikki. You had two experienced drivers and people saying 'well what are they going to be driving at the back of the grid? Why are they doing it?'

 

"Well now you start to see why maybe, because they would've know that these sort of people were on board a long time before everyone else did. That's what they're signing up for, the fact that next year's car is going to be designed by people of this calibre. That's why they're on board."

 

He described Smith and his colleagues' decision to join Lotus as a major complement to the young team.

 

"They have faith in the team, they have faith in the finance of the team, they have faith in me, they have faith in Tony [Fernandes]," Gascoyne said.

 

"Norfolk isn't the easiest place in the country to persuade people to come to, and the fact that they're moving their families, it shows the belief that there is in Lotus. I don't think they want to move to Norfolk because they're loyal to me, they've got to believe in what they're doing."

 

Gascoyne added that the new personnel would help Lotus move its focus onto its 2011 car.

 

"There will be updates all year, but it was always the intention to switch early," he said. "You saw in Turkey that we've come from five seconds off the pace to three seconds off the pace. But we're still a second off the cars in front - the Toro Rossos, the Williams, the Saubers.

 

"Now we think we'll close that done to not very much by the end of the year, but it still puts you 19th and 20th on the grid. So there's an element of saying 'why bother?', let's switch that resource onto 2011 and start 2011 in the midfield pack.

 

"I think that's a very sound argument and that's very much what we're focused on, and again these guys are very much part of that."

 

While Hinson and Butler have already started work at Lotus, Gascoyne said Smith's arrival date depended on him negotiating a notice period with Force India.

 

"That's entirely in his hands and Force India's," he said. "He'll come to us when he's able to."

 

Lotus announced its new signings on the same day that Force India issued a statement insisting it was still pursuing legal action against the team, but Gascoyne played down the situation between the two squads.

 

"It's unfortunate. We regard the legal action as old news really," he said. "We feel that situation will become eminently clear to everyone as that develops."

[Feffman]

Reluctant Trulli to Get New Chassis

 

By Jonathan Noble

Friday, June 18th 2010, 13:09 GMT

 

 

Jarno Trulli will get a new chassis for the European Grand Prix - but only after he initially turned the car change down because he did not want team-mate Heikki Kovalainen to feel he was being favoured.

 

Lotus' latest chassis was always scheduled for arrival at the Valencia race, and Kovalainen had been pencilled down as the man to get it.

 

However, with Trulli having complained of balance problems with his usual car, technical chief Mike Gascoyne reckoned it would be in the team's interests that the Italian gets it instead this time.

 

When Trulli was told what has happening, however, he said he did not want the new chassis because it was not fair on Kovalainen.

 

"Jarno has been pretty unhappy with the balance of his car and has been struggling," Gascoyne told AUTOSPORT. "We have a new chassis scheduled to come for Valencia, and that was due to go to Heikki.

 

"But, because of Jarno's troubles, I made the call to change it to him. But Jarno, when he was told, said, 'No, I don't want Heikki to feel that I am being favoured, please feel free to give it to Heikki.'

 

"So I went up to Heikki and told him. Then he said, 'No, Jarno is struggling, give it to him!'

 

"It's a situation that sums up the great feeling within the team - that they are both trying to help each other. In the end we are going to give it to Jarno, but the two drivers are open to swapping it around afterwards."

 

On the back of an encouraging performance at the Canadian Grand Prix, and with a major upgrade on the car scheduled for the British GP, Gascoyne thinks the team's focus has shifted from being best of the new outfits, to actually threatening the establishment.

 

"From the whole of the Canada weekend, the message is that it is time we stopped looking at being the best of the new teams and looking behind us," he said.

 

"This is now about trying to outqualify a Sauber - trying to race the Williams and the Renault cars. It is about being a midfield team not just the best of the new boys. I think that is the statement we have made this weekend."

 

Gascoyne thinks it too much to expect Lotus becoming a regular in hauling itself among the established teams, but reckons it can on occasion punch above its weight.

 

"I would say in reality we are probably seven or eight tenths away from them, and the Silverstone upgrade might bring us half a second closer. Will we nick places off people consistently? Probably not, but with the two drivers we have got, with their experience - if anyone drops the ball or doesn't get the right lap then I think we can start nicking some odd places.

 

"What we said at the start of the year was that we wanted to end up challenging the back end of the midfield group and I think that is exactly where we will be. You would like to be beating them, but in reality that was always going to be too much of a step, especially as we are concentrating on next year's car now.

 

"But I think we will still end up exactly where we said we would be. We had one employee this time a year ago, so for the performance we did in Canada everyone in the team can hold their head up. It is a statement from the new teams - you can come in and do a hell of a good job and be racing, and I think that is very good news for F1."

[Feffman]

Lotus Aims High For 500th GP

By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, June 22nd 2010

16:18 GMT

 

 

Lotus drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli are looking for another step forward from their team at this weekend's European Grand Prix - when their cars will carry special logos to celebrate the marque's 500th event.

 

With Lotus founder Colin Chapman's son Clive and his family flying to Valencia to help mark the special occasion, the team is positive that it can deliver something on track to cheer about too.

 

Heikki Kovalainen said that, after the form showed by the team in recent weeks, there were high hopes that Lotus would soon become a big threat to the established teams.

 

"The last few races have been very positive for our team, we've been making progress every weekend and the plan is to carry on pushing," he said.

 

"For Valencia, and for the rest of the season, we're not looking back at the other new teams - we lapped them in Canada so we're looking to keep taking the fight to the guys ahead, and I think we can do that.

 

"This is obviously an historic weekend for Lotus, and for Lotus Racing, and I think we're starting to do justice to what's gone before us – it's fantastic that we can celebrate such a great milestone in Valencia, and it'll be an honour to be part of that."

 

Mike Gascoyne, the team's technical chief, hoped that a number of updates planned for the T127 for this weekend's race will help lift its performance in Spain.

 

"I'm really looking forward to this weekend, and am excited about both celebrating the 500th race Lotus has competed in, and helping add another chapter to one of motorsport’s greatest stories," he said.

 

"We've already come a long way this season, and have much further to go until we can add more glory to the Lotus legend, but I and the whole team are very proud to be in a position to help the Lotus name reach this landmark moment, and it'll be great to celebrate that with Clive, Tony [Fernandes] and the whole team.

 

"For the race, we have a few more updates to the car to help us keep pushing forward, so we’re not letting up on the challenge to take the race to the cars in front.

 

"I'm confident we'll put on a good performance in Valencia – we've got the right drivers to cope with the demands of the circuit itself, and the car keeps improving with every new step we take, so I think this will be another chance to pressure the midfield, and make good on the promise we showed in Canada."

 

Trulli is hoping that a new chassis he has for this weekend's race will help him deliver on the back of some encouraging pace in recent events.

 

"I'm really looking forward to Valencia," he said. "It's a circuit I like, and I enjoy the race there - It's always warm, and it's a beautiful city. I'm in the new chassis (T127-04) from this race, and hopefully that will bring me some better luck over the race weekend – in Canada I was really flying until the retirement, so I hope I can carry that through to this weekend and see the chequered flag.

 

"That's obviously important, but this weekend is also all about the 500th race for Lotus. It'll be very special to help take that famous name to such a milestone, and I'm very honoured to be part of it."

 

To help mark the occasion, a Lotus Type 12 will appear in the Valencia pit lane on Thursday evening alongside the current car.

[Feffman]

Trulli Says Lighter Lotus a Huge Boost

 

By Simon Strang and Pablo Elizalde

Thursday, July 8th 2010, 15:28 GMT

 

 

Jarno Trulli is looking forward to driving a much lighter Lotus car at this weekend's British Grand Prix.

 

The Italian believes the weight reduction will be a huge help for the team, even if it is not introducting significant aerodynamic updates for the race.

 

"Aerodynamically I wouldn't say it is a big improvement, it's still good but I wouldn't expect to go much quicker just from aero-wise," said Trulli on Thursday at Silverstone.

 

"But in terms of weight-loss, it is going to be a huge help. We are going to get a much lighter car which will help us to move the weight distribution forward and in terms of handling it is going to be much better.

 

"So the combination of the aero package a light-weight package I believe it will have a big impact."

 

He added: "We are not finished yet because we are missing the suspension which will lose us a further four kilos. That will not be ready for this weekend and will probably better for the next one."

 

Trulli is optimistic the changes will help the team take a step forward that close the gap to its rivals.

 

"We expect to make a step and we expect obviously to be closer but as everybody moves forward, we try to move as well. So we don't know how much closer we can be."

[Feffman]

Lotus Meets Renault Amid Cosworth Switch Rumours

 

 

Date 2010-07-12

By Motorsport.com/GMM

 

Lotus' potential switch to Renault power for 2011 might still be on, according to a media report.

 

Last week, we reported that the new Malaysian backed team will continue to use Cosworth engines next year, with boss Tony Fernandes saying the British supplier's product has been "competitive enough" in 2010.

 

But owner Fernandes also said Lotus "received offers from several (other) companies".

 

According to the BBC, Fernandes and technical boss Mike Gascoyne met with Renault before Sunday's British Grand Prix.

 

A reunion with Renault would return the familiar 'Lotus-Renault' moniker to Formula One, and it is also believed Lotus is in talks to use the fabled 'Team Lotus' name for its team in the future.

 

Asked to comment about Renault, Gascoyne said: "We have a contract with Cosworth and we're discussing with them ways to work together in the future."

 

It had also been rumoured that Williams was in talks for a Renault switch, but the British team confirmed at Silverstone that the FW33 will be powered by a Cosworth engine next year.

 

Asked about the Renault rumours, Cosworth's F1 boss Mark Gallagher said: "Nonsense. We are in partnership with Williams to provide a car up with the best."

[Feffman]

Lotus Closing In On Renault Deal

 

By Jonathan Noble

Tuesday, September 7th 2010, 10:19 GMT

 

 

Lotus is close to finalising a switch to Renault engines for next season - but the deal still hinges on whether it can find an agreement with Cosworth to end its contract with the famous engine-maker two years early.

 

AUTOSPORT understands that a deal has been agreed in principle for Lotus to secure a supply of Renault customer engines for 2011 – which would see the team receive the same specification of power-unit as other customer outfit Red Bull Racing.

 

It is believed the move came out when Lotus originally sought out a new supplier of gearboxes and transmissions for next year – after frustrations with reliability in that area throughout the course of this season.

 

Renault was more than happy to supply its gearbox and transmission units but, on the back of a push to increase its engine supply deals, it made a big effort to sell its power unit as part of the package too.

 

However, despite sources suggesting that a deal is ready to be signed for Lotus and Renault to tie up for the first time since 1986, the Hingham-based outfit still needs to resolve contractual issues with Cosworth.

 

As part of the deal it made when it entered F1 this year, Lotus signed a fixed three-year contract with Cosworth – and it is believed there is no break clause that would allow the team to get out of that unless the Northampton-based engine supplier was willing to do so.

 

It is not clear at the moment whether a financial settlement can be reached for Cosworth to agree to cut short its deal, or whether Lotus will be forced to delay its Renault ambitions.

 

Neither Lotus nor Cosworth have elaborated on the situation, and both insist that there are no plans for their relationship to change for now.

 

Cosworth general manager of F1 operations Mark Gallagher said: "As with the other new teams, Lotus has a fixed term three-year contract with Cosworth and we are very pleased it is happy with our engines and the job we have done for it during its first season in Formula 1."

 

Lotus technical chief Mike Gascoyne said: "We've got a contract with Cosworth and there is no further comment to make."

[Feffman]

Cosworth, Lotus Agree To End Deal

 

By Pablo Elizalde

Sunday, September 12th 2010, 21:34 GMT

 

 

Cosworth has announced that it has reached an agreement to end its current engine supply deal with the Lotus team.

 

The move paves the way for Lotus to sign a deal with Renault, with whom the team has reached an agreement in principle for a supply of engines, gearboxes and transmissions, as revealed by AUTOSPORT earlier this week.

 

"Cosworth has reached an agreement in principle with Lotus Racing whereby the team's Cosworth engine supply agreement will come to a conclusion at the end of the current Formula 1 season," said Cosworth in a statement on Sunday night.

 

"This agreement is subject to contract and until the agreement is signed, neither party will be making any further comment."

 

Lotus driver Jarno Trulli retired from today's Italian Grand Prix with a gearbox problem, promting team boss Tony Fernandes to post on Twitter: "Jarno retired [due to] gearbox. Oh well, making decisions easier."

[Feffman]

Lotus Sure Of Maintaining Position

 

By Matt Beer

Wednesday, September 15th 2010, 15:40 GMT

 

 

Lotus technical director Mike Gascoyne does not think his team will struggle to stay ahead of the other new-for-2010 squads in Singapore even though it has now stopped developing this year's car.

 

Many teams are expected to bring new packages for next weekend's grand prix, but Lotus is now pouring all its resources into its 2011 car.

 

However Gascoyne believes the T127 will be sufficiently suited to the Marina Bay track that upgrades will be unnecessary.

 

"The focus now is really on the 2011 car, so we won't be bringing any major new parts to Singapore," he said.

 

"Despite that, I think we'll be able to maintain the advantage we have over our nearest rivals on what is a pretty high downforce track. The track is bumpy and some of the kerbs are pretty high, so being able to deal with the bumps and the kerbs well is important.

 

"Both our drivers have reported that they feel like the car deals well with uneven surfaces, and they have the confidence to attack the kerbs in the T127, so let's see what happens."

 

Lotus is expected to announce its Renault engine deal and use of the Team Lotus name from 2012 during the Singapore GP weekend, as predicted by AUTOSPORT. A team statement promised that "a number of very exciting announcements about the team's future for 2011 and beyond" would happen in Singapore.

[Feffman]

Lotus To Team With Toyota in 2011

 

 

By Motorsport.com/GMM

Date 2010-09-17

 

Lotus has informed the media that it will be making "a number of very exciting announcements" in Singapore next weekend.

 

It is widely expected that the new team's current drivers will be retained for another season, and that Lotus Racing will take on the historic Team Lotus moniker for 2011 and beyond.

 

And according to the rumour mill, with the team's 2011 contract with Cosworth now dissolved, Lotus will be confirming an engine and gearbox deal with Renault.

 

But the Italian language Autosprint reports that Malaysian-owned Lotus could actually be set to announce a technical cooperation with Toyota Motorsport, the Cologne based outfit that raced in Formula One between 2002 and last year.

 

Toyota is currently supplying Pirelli with a 2009-spec test car, and has been linked with a technical collaboration for 2011 with HRT, the struggling Spanish team.

 

But Autosprint reports that Lotus and Toyota are in fact set to collaborate, with Mike Gascoyne proving the crucial link between the two outfits.

 

Several former members of Toyota's F1 team are now working with Lotus, such as sporting director Dieter Gass.

 

"We have to do something different and it will be done soon," team boss and owner Tony Fernandes told the BBC at Monza last weekend.

 

"Lots of negotiations have gone on over the last couple of weeks and we're very happy with the outcome," he added.

[Feffman]

Lotus Withdrew F1 Naming License Over T-Shirt Dispute

 

By Motorsport.com/GMM

Date 2010-09-29

 

Group Lotus terminated the naming license for Malaysian millionaire Tony Fernandes' Formula One team because of a dispute about t-shirts, team chief executive Riad Asmat has revealed.

 

On the face of it, the Proton-owned British carmaker has simply had a change of heart, deciding now to ramp up its involvement in motor sport and regretful that its brand is already separately deployed in Formula One.

 

It emerged last week that Group Lotus has decided to enter feeder categories GP2 and GP3 with ART, and it has now been announced that the carmaker is continuing its Indycar foray in 2011 whilst designing a prototype sports car for the LMP2 category.

 

Group Lotus also said it is upgrading its test track in Norfolk which will be eligible for "F1 testing".

 

"It's important for people to realise just how committed we are to doing our heritage justice," said director of motor sport Claudio Berro.

 

At the same time, Lotus has withdrawn its naming license to the current F1 team Lotus Racing, and has vowed to fight the team's intention to deploy the alternative 'Team Lotus' name in 2011 and beyond.

 

Group Lotus owner Proton is also withdrawing its on-car sponsorship of Fernandes' team.

 

"Unfortunately we never reached the point where we discussed extending that one year deal," said the team's chief executive Asmat.

 

He revealed that the naming license has been terminated due to "some very trivial points", including "t-shirt design approvals of all things".

 

Asmat said there will need to be talks with Group Lotus about the real reasons for the termination because "we thoroughly reject" the marque's right to have done so.

 

"Initially there was good cooperation but then issues cropped up after that and it came to a point where they said we were detrimental to their brand and infringed their rights," he told MediaCorp.

 

"One of these was about producing t-shirts, which we were told did not follow correct procedures and they terminated our agreement about two weeks ago," said Asmat.

 

He indicated that continuing to be called Lotus is crucial for the team, which explains the decision to take the matter to London's High Court.

 

"There are livelihoods at stake and we had to take this course of action in the courts," he said.

[Feffman]

Lotus To Use Red Bull Gearbox From 2011

 

By Pablo Elizalde

Tuesday, October 5th 2010, 06:28 GMT

 

 

Lotus Racing has confirmed that it will use Red Bull Technology gearboxes and hydraulic systems from the 2011 season.

 

The news follows on from the announcement that the team has ended its relationship with Cosworth. Lotus had used Xtrac gearboxes and hydraulics during its debut season in 2010.

 

"The announcement that we have reached a multi-year agreement with Red Bull Technology for the supply of our gearboxes and hydraulics from 2011 is obviously a massive step forward for us, both in engineering terms, and as an expression of our ambitions for next year and for future championships," said technical chief Mike Gascoyne.

 

"The gearbox / hydraulics package obviously plays a critical role in the performance of the car, not just on track but in design and packaging terms, and this deal gives our design and aero teams a very exciting platform to work with.

 

"The removal of the double diffusers in 2011 will allow the whole grid to tighten up the rear bodywork and mechanical structures around the gearbox, and this supply deal will allow us to capitalise on that with our 2011 car. Exciting times lie ahead."

 

Lotus is expected to make two further announcements this week, one of them expected to be a new deal to use Renault engines from next season.

 

The move would mean Lotus would use the same engine/gearbox combination as Red Bull Racing.

 

"We are very pleased about Lotus Racing's decision to use Red Bull Technology gearboxes and hydraulic systems from 2011," added Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner.

 

"The fact that Red Bull Technology has been chosen to be a supplier to another team despite its short history demonstrates how much we have achieved since our first season. We very much look forward to working with Lotus Racing from 2011 onwards."

[Feffman]

Lotus To Build Wind Tunnel At Hingham

 

By Jonathan Noble

Sunday, October 24th 2010, 03:30 GMT

 

 

Lotus is to build its own wind-tunnel facility in Hingham as part of an expansion programme that is being put in place over the next few years.

 

With the team having already laid down some good foundations having secured Renault engines and Red Bull Racing gearboxes for 2011, the outfit has now announced plans for growing its Hingham base.

 

As well as having its own wind tunnel facility, the team has confirmed that its new GP2 outfit - Team AirAsia - will also have its base next to the F1 factory.

 

Lotus technical chief Mike Gascoyne said: "To compete at the highest level in Formula 1 it is important to have all of the key elements involved in the design, manufacturing, testing and development of our cars under our direct control and on the same site.

 

"Today's announcement about the wind tunnel, which will be combined with additional production, office and administrative elements, gives us both the facility we need to lay the foundations for long-term success and is a clear sign that we are very serious about competing at the sharp end of the grid as quickly as we can.

 

"We have already achieved a phenomenal rate of growth for the team, and now have all the main functions in place to take the next step up, but I think it is important to also see that we are using our budget effectively, and focusing expenditure where it counts.

 

"Investing in our own wind-tunnel, to work alongside our substantial in-house CFD facility, is a key element in establishing complete control of one of the most important aspects of the design and manufacturing process in our sport, and it is clear to see that this sort of investment points towards a very bright future for the team."

[Feffman]

Lotus To Return To Black And Gold Livery

 

By Steven English

Thursday, November 11th 2010, 09:11 GMT

 

 

Lotus will revive its historic black and gold colours for the livery of its 2011 car.

 

The famous scheme was first launched in 1971 and carried the colours with John Player Special sponsorship from 1972-'79 and then from 1981-'86, before the team switched to Camel backing in 1987.

 

Lotus Racing will also hold a competition for a fan to design the new livery.

 

The team's chief executive, Riad Asmat, said: "When we first unveiled our 2010 car there was unanimous praise for our decision to bring the historic green and yellow livery back to the modern F1 grid.

 

"I know the return to the track of the legendary black and gold will be met with even more universal support as it strikes such an emotional chord with fans around the world.

 

"Giving those fans the chance to help us bring it back to the contemporary grid is true to our core belief of putting our supporters right at the heart of Lotus Racing - we can't wait to show the world what we come up with."

[Feffman]

Arabadzhiev, Gonzalez To Test For Lotus

 

By Steven English

Friday, November 12th 2010, 11:09 GMT

 

 

Lotus Racing has announced that it will run GP2 racers Vladimir Arabadzhiev and Rodolfo Gonzalez in the young driver test at Abu Dhabi next week.

 

Bulgarian Arabadzhiev, 26, contested most of this year's GP2 series with Coloni Motorsport, but was replaced by New Zealander Brendon Hartley after Spa.

 

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Venezuelan Gonzalez has spent this season with Arden with a best result of fourth at Monza after starting from the reverse-grid pole.

 

Lotus Racing's chief executive officer, Riad Asmat, said: "We are very pleased to have confirmed that Rodolfo and Vladimir will be driving for us in Abu Dhabi.

 

"They both come from countries with growing interest in motorsport and the chance to give emerging drivers the opportunity to step up to Formula 1 is central to the Lotus Racing philosophy of embracing young talent.

 

"Everyone in the team is looking forward to working with them over the two day test and I am delighted we could give them this opportunity."

[Feffman]

Now Mansell Backs Group Lotus in F1

 

By Motorsport.com/GMM

Date 2010-12-23

 

Nigel Mansell is the latest to wade into the Lotus debate, insisting he is "delighted" to see the name "return to Formula One" by partnering with the Renault team.

 

Briton Mansell drove iconic Lotus F1 cars in the 80s before moving on to Ferrari and finally winning the title in a Williams in 1992.

 

"It is particularly pleasing for me to see the union of Lotus and Renault again and the return of the iconic Black and Gold colours as driven by the late greats Ayrton Senna and Elio de Angelis, Johnny Dumfries and of course, myself in the 80s," he said.

 

Mansell's comments coincide with the publication of the abandoned black and gold livery that would have adorned the 'Team Lotus' cars next year amid the naming dispute with the separate Tony Fernandes camp.

 

The comments also coincide with the issuing of a statement by the family of Lotus' late founder Colin Chapman, whose famous black cap was proudly displayed on the pitwall by Fernandes' team in 2010.

 

But Chapman's son Clive said the family thinks the "Team Lotus name should not be used in Formula One".

 

"Indeed, assurances to this effect were received (last year)," he added.

 

Chapman said the family supported the Fernandes team when the Lotus Racing name was used with the consent of Group Lotus.

 

"However, then its license to use the Lotus name was terminated and things changed," he confirmed, adding that his family now backs Group Lotus as "the ongoing Lotus entity created by Colin and Hazel Chapman".

 

Mansell also recalled Colin Chapman in his statement posted on Group Lotus' official website.

 

"I am extremely grateful to Lotus and especially to Colin Chapman, who was so inspirational and almost like a second father to me and have been watching with great interest the developments that have been taking place recently at Hethel with their ambitious race and road car projects.

 

"I am really delighted to see that Lotus is back where it belongs competing with the best in the top echelons of motor sport," he added.

[Feffman]

Trulli Demands Progress From Lotus

 

By Jonathan Noble and Michele Lostia

Monday, January 10th 2011, 14:29 GMT

 

 

Jarno Trulli says he will not suffer a repeat of the troubles he had during 2010, as he eyes a decent step forward in performance this season.

 

The Italian, who is about to embark on his second campaign with Team Lotus, has made no secret of the fact that he felt his results last year did not live up to expectations.

 

But with Lotus having had much more preparation time ahead of 2011 - and having made the switch to Renault engines and Red Bull Racing gearboxes - Trulli says there are reasons to feel progress can be made.

 

However, he has dropped a hint that if things do not improve then he may well decide to call time on his F1 career.

 

"We have improved our organisation," Trulli told Gazzetta dello Sport. "But we've been racing for one year, not 20, we can't even think about fighting with the top teams.

 

"My objective is to fight in the midfield and have a chance to score points. I knew that 2010 would be a transition year: [although] it turned out to be worse than I had expected, but it's okay.

 

"But I won't accept to have another year like that. I don't like to show badly after a lifetime at the front. I can suffer for one year, but I can't for another one."

 

Trulli does concede that the big changes in F1's regulations this year, including new Pirelli tyres and the return to KERS, will make life hard for small teams like Lotus.

 

"It can hardly be tougher than 2010," he said. "But the rules have changed: even Red Bull, who had a great car, doesn't know whether it can repeat its success.

 

"There have been too many changes: from aerodynamics to tyres, to KERS. That's something we won't be able to afford: it costs a fortune and it's totally useless, it's nonsense. They talk about saving money, but every year the regulations change, people don't understand and the spectacle gets worse."

 

When asked about the ongoing situation regarding the naming row between his Team Lotus outfit and the Lotus-sponsored Renault team, Trulli said: "Which one is the real one is unknown, [and] that's embarrassing.

 

"I meet people telling me they've seen my car's new black and gold livery and I reply it's green. It's surreal."

[Feffman]

Trulli: Lotus Dispute Has Motivated Team

 

By Jonathan Noble

Monday, January 17th 2011, 15:25 GMT

 

 

Jarno Trulli says that his and Team Lotus's motivation for 2011 are higher than they have ever been before - as he claims the naming row surrounding the outfit has actually helped spur it on this winter.

 

With less than a fortnight to go before the new Team Lotus car hits the track for the first time at Valencia, Trulli says there is genuine excitement within the Hingham-based outfit about what is achievable this year.

 

He believes his team's deal for Renault engines and Red Bull Racing transmission will be critical in helping the team deliver a good car.

 

"We know we have the package to compete for at least the midfield and our aim is to race for points at every race," Trulli told AUTOSPORT in an exclusive interview on Monday. "I know it will be hard, but we know the package has the potential.

 

"We have a brand new Renault engine, we have a Red Bull gearbox - so we are thinking we can do well. Mike [Gascoyne, technical chief] has worked hard to set up a great team and get ready for this year.

 

"But while no-one exactly knows where they are going to be, I always dream and hope that we can do better than we expect. It has happened many times in the past - so maybe we can exceed our expectations for this year. I feel very confident."

 

Much of the talk surrounding Team Lotus over the winter has focused on the naming dispute between it and rival Renault, which has signed a sponsorship deal with Lotus.

 

Although that spat became quite heated in public, Trulli thinks the situation has been a blessing - acting as a rallying call for all the staff at Hingham.

 

"I think it has motivated a lot of people here," he said. "That stretches from the management like Tony Fernandes through to the shareholders, who have been through a lot of difficulties, and down to the last members of the team.

 

"What Tony did was unique. He has worked hard to bring the Lotus name back on track, which no-one had done for many years. He also just didn't go out there and buy a team.

 

"He and Mike [Gascoyne] made up the team from scratch – which comes from the Lotus mentality. It would have been easier to buy a team, but that is not what Colin Chapman did. He drew his own and manufactured his own F1 cars.

 

"That is why this is the real Team Lotus – and that is what makes it unique and different from the other Lotus team on track. We know that Group Lotus is going to sponsor the Renault team, and that is a very different thing – we have to make that very clear.

 

"They can argue and they can go to court, but at the end of the day the people understand what Team Lotus is and why it is doing what it is doing.

 

"It belongs to the heritage and the story of Colin Chapman. I am sure that Colin Chapman would have been proud of what we are doing. And to do that we need to deliver. That is not going to happen from just one day to another, and it will take a bit of time, but there will be more satisfaction when we do that.

 

"In my opinion, Tony is doing the right thing, even though we feel a bit sad about the row."

 

Trulli also says the progress Lotus has made over the winter has left him eager to get back to his best on track.

 

"Last year was the beginning of a new era for Team Lotus and we knew that with even limited time we could compete," he said. "So we put all our efforts onto this season, so we are very confident.

 

"I am very fired up, to be honest. It is like my first day of racing again. I admit that 2010 was difficult – but my confident feeling is back now."

[Feffman]

Lotus Naming Case To Begin Next Week

 

By Jonathan Noble

Tuesday, January 18th 2011, 11:00 GMT

 

 

The legal battle over the use of the Lotus name in Formula 1 is to hit the courts much earlier than originally anticipated - with the car company's bid for a summary judgement to be heard next week.

 

It had been expected that the legal row between Group Lotus and Team Lotus would not be in court until the early summer.

 

But Group Lotus is seeking a summary judgement on the main legal issues – that its early termination of its licencing deal with Lotus Racing was a breach of contract and over whether Team Lotus is allowed to use the name in Formula 1 this year.

 

The matter is set to be heard in the London courts on January 24.

 

A summary judgement is applied for by parties involved in legal disputes as a way of trying to avoid a full-blown trial and all the legal costs associated with it.

 

In a separate development, the Renault team's plans to run a black-and-gold livery for title sponsor Lotus has come under the spotlight of anti-tobacco campaigners.

 

With the colour scheme synonymous with the John Player Special sponsorship of the 1970's and 1980's, concerns have been voiced in Canada about whether the team will be allowed to run it there because of the country's strict anti-tobacco advertising legislation.

 

A spokesperson for Health Canada, which enforces the country's Tobacco Act, told the Toronto Globe and Mail: "Tobacco inspectors would need to fully review to assess whether a violation of the Tobacco Act has occurred.

 

"The Tobacco Act prohibits the promotion of tobacco products or tobacco product-related brand elements in Canada, except as authorized by the Act or regulations. Tobacco product sponsorship is prohibited entirely and tobacco advertising is severely restricted."

 

Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar told AUTOSPORT in December that he was not worried the black-and-gold colours would be linked with tobacco.

 

"I don't think we are using the kind of logos that the John Player Special cars used," he said.

 

"I simply believe, and again this is my personal opinion, I believe this is one of the two most beautiful liveries in Formula 1. This is why we will use it, and nothing else. I do not believe we will have any negative implications with potential tobacco advertising."

 

 

http://www.MVPTrackTime.com

[Feffman]

Genii, Not Group Lotus, Owns Renault Team - Boullier

 

By Motorsport.com/GMM

Date 2011-01-19

 

Eric Boullier has moved to clarify reports about the ownership structure of the Enstone based F1 team called Renault.

 

French carmaker Renault SA recently sold its remaining shareholding in the team to the Luxembourg based Genii Capital investment company, a report in the Italian magazine Autosprint explained.

 

There has been some confusion about whether new sponsor Group Lotus has already bought a share of the team or whether it merely intends to in the future.

 

The Autosprint report clarified that Genii in fact currently owns 100 per cent of the team.

 

"Renault decided to re-focus its resources in F1 and sold its remaining 25 per cent to Genii Capital," team boss Boullier confirmed.

 

He said the long-term agreement signed with Lotus is essentially for sponsorship at present but that it could "lead to Lotus Cars becoming a shareholder" at a later date.

 

Meanwhile, Boullier revealed that while the R31 car will debut at Valencia next month, he is not yet sure if Magneti-Marelli's KERS system will be fitted to the car at that stage.

 

And it has emerged that 25 engineers belonging to Group Lotus' Malaysian carmaker owner Proton will be sent for two-year engagements to work at the F1 team.

 

"It's a good way to get fresh ideas and a new way of thinking," Boullier said.

[Feffman]

Renault (Lotus?) Eyes Top Three This Season

 

By Jonathan Noble

Thursday, January 20th 2011, 11:37 GMT

 

 

Renault is setting its sights on a top-three finish in the world championship this year, as the team hints about a very 'brave' design for its R31.

 

The Enstone-based outfit is due to unveil its 2011 challenger in Valencia on January 31, and there are high hopes that the car will help the outfit make further progress on the steps it delivered throughout last year.

 

The team's chief operating officer Patrick Louis has said that the ambition is for a top-three finish in the title chase - with technical director James Allison hinting about an aggressive design to its new car.

 

Speaking in a pre-season video interview on the Group Lotus website, with the sportscar manufacturer being the team's title sponsor this year, Allison said: "This time of year is a heady mix of both thrilling excitement of finding out, confirming that all your plans are coming to fruition, and also abject terror that you will not deliver the thing in time.

 

"Anyone who follows the sport will have seen that words like aggressive [and] brave are being bandied around across several of the teams this year for their solutions.

 

"I believe that we have chosen a direction that is really on the brave end of brave."

 

Renault team principal Eric Boullier told AUTOSPORT last weekend that the team was hoping to win races this year - and he admitted in the Lotus video that the pressure was on the outfit to deliver on those ambitions.

 

"We want to win and we want to be successful in Formula 1," Boullier explained. "The more attention we can get from the fans and the Lotus people and from all our sponsors, we put ourselves into a pressure mode because we have to win.

 

"We know now we will be much more competitive than last year. We don't know yet obviously what the other teams, and the other forces, will be in F1 - but we already know we will be much stronger."

 

http://www.MVPTrackTime.com