KUALA LUMPUR: Lotus Racing, the Malaysian-owned Formula One team are looking forward to putting up a sterling show in front of local fans as the vaunted machine hits its home ground track this weekend.
HIS TAKE: Lotus Racing driver Finland’s Heikki Kovalainen talks to reporters during a press conference at the Pavilion shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama photo
The Malaysian Grand Prix, the third round of the 19-leg 2010 F1 World Championship, will be held on April 2-4 at Sepang International Circuit.
Lotus F1 Racing’s homecoming celebration was held at Pavilion shopping mall here on Tuesday and was graced by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the father of motor racing in Malaysia.
At the homecoming event, Malaysian and foreign motorsports fans had the chance to get up close and personal with team drivers Jarno Trulli, Heikki Kovalainen and Fairuz Fauzy.
“We expect the race in Sepang to be another exciting outing for Lotus Racing. Heikki (Kovalainen) finished the Australian Grand Prix just three places away from earning our first point.
“It certainly gives us a good boost for the Sepang race,” said team deputy principal SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin in his speech at the team’s homecoming.
At the event attended by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir, Dr Mahathir was given the honour of sticking the Jalur Gemilang on the Lotus Cosworth T127 machine.
The Jalur Gemilang sticker was attached behind the driver’s cockpit and was placed for the first time. It will remain until the end of the 2010 F1 season.
The real Lotus Cosworth T127 mean machine which debuted this season in its green and yellow livery was displayed at the main concourse area until 10pm before taken to Sepang Circuit later Tuesday.
The team’s merchandise will be sold for the first time as the local chapter of Lotus Racing Fan Club was launched as well.
Finland’s Kovalainen told Bernama it would be a fantastic outing if the team could collect their first point here with the support of home fans.
“At the moment, we will just focus on the race itself, especially during the practice session to make sure the car is in good condition.
“We will try to improve from the previous race and try to achieve the maximum results,” he said.
At the Australian Grand Prix last Sunday, Kovalainen finished his race in 13th position, just three places from earning the team their first point, while teammate Trulli failed to start due to hydraulic problem.
At the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14, Kovalainen claimed 15th position while Trulli was 17th. — Bernama