Lotus all set for Bahrain opener

KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly six months after gaining entry into the 2010 Formula One World Championship, the Lotus Racing T127 car is all set to take on Sakhir Circuit for the first practice session on Friday for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes

The team started their journey to Bahrain from their temporary headquarters in Norfolk, England on Saturday with six airfreight boxes including the two cars with a 60-strong entourage.

As Lotus gear up for their first race, all, including drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen, remained upbeat and    honest about their expectations for the first few races.

Trulli commented: “It would be nice to score a point, but it is not going to be easy. We have to be realistic.”

Chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne said: “Our test season was extremely productive … in general we’ve had very good reliability, and the team is in very good shape going to the first race.”

Team principal Datuk  Seri Tony Fernandes commented: “We are all looking forward to Bahrain … to have Lotus Racing on the grid will be a momentous occasion for all involved and, indeed, for our fans, whose support has been absolutely fantastic since we launched just under six months ago.

“Yes we are a little slower than the major leading teams. However, we will get there with passion, hard work and a clear vision … our aim for this first Grand Prix will be to finish and steadily but surely improve, race by race,” he added.

Bahrain will host the season opener of the World Championship from March 12-14 before the race moves to Australia on March 28.

Sepang will host the third of the 19-leg championship on April 4. — Bernama