Caporegime
But it will all fall apart when they win and play the Malaysian national anthem...
Lotus is a Malaysian company now. They are owned by proton.
Sad but true.
The new F1 entrants . . . Campos, Manor, US F1 and Lotus/Proton
- Thread starter stockhausen
- Start date
Lotus is a Malaysian company now. They are owned by proton.
Sad but true.
Lola were a victim of Mastercard's impatience. MCD screwed up the engine design. It was supposed to be ready by the first race (which in itself is too late), Lola were then forced to use an underpowered (ford Zetec-r) customer engine. Underpowered engine, in an undeveloped car. Was never going to set the world alight was it!
Mastercard forcing them to enter in 97 created all the problems. The engine delays could have been managed, and the car would have been able to run a full testing and development program, both in the wind-tunnel and on the track over 97, and into 98.
Sure, Lola should have stuck to their guns, and refused a 97 entry, that is their own fault. With the car building knowledge they had, they should have know a 97 entry was doomed, but the title sponsor force them into it
I believe that Lola would have been capable of making a decent car if the development had not been stunted, and the correct engine completed.
It really isnt Lotus at all imo
40 years from now (unfortunately) its likely that Frank Williams and Patrick Head will have departed this earth (and all their current staff long since retired), but it could still be the same TEAM
In this instance the Malaysian Govn have backed a team that have bought the rights to a name - they have none of the heritage or anything like that, its just a name
Personally think people are fooling themselves if they think this team have any establishable link to the heritage of Lotus in motorsport history
40 years from now (unfortunately) its likely that Frank Williams and Patrick Head will have departed this earth (and all their current staff long since retired), but it could still be the same TEAM
In this instance the Malaysian Govn have backed a team that have bought the rights to a name - they have none of the heritage or anything like that, its just a name
Personally think people are fooling themselves if they think this team have any establishable link to the heritage of Lotus in motorsport history
Soldato
I'm not sure and I could be very wrong, but I do believe that Lotus has a small amount of motorsport history.
What with F1, Le Mans, Indy 500, Hill climbs, GT Racing....
After all, whats 13 F1 World Championships worth now... Nothing at all.
Its not Lotus as in a going motorsport concern like Prodrive, Lola, Manor Motorsport - that was why I didn't include it.
Irrespective of what its precise name is, its not first and foremost a company built around motorsport. They will cobble the team together and give it the name Lotus.
Lotus F1's car bays as of late November 2009
At least those cars are good looking.
http://img390.yfrog.com/i/8tu.jpg/
At least those cars are good looking.
http://img390.yfrog.com/i/8tu.jpg/
Soldato
Lotus F1's car bays as of late November 2009
At least those cars are good looking.
http://img390.yfrog.com/i/8tu.jpg/
They should just use those, then no matter what the performance is like at least they would look good
Man of Honour
Lotus F1's car bays as of late November 2009
At least those cars are good looking.
http://img390.yfrog.com/i/8tu.jpg/
Always thought the 102 was a really pretty car.
Certainly was. The last few Lotus F1 cars were particularly good looking. 107 was a looker, as was the 109. 112 was looking a little ropey, but development was cancelled when the team went bankrupt.
And that particular 102 is yours for £165'000
Dear Santa....
Soldato
Might sound silly but...
Just out from school, all I wanted was a coffee house in Amsterdam and on the roof would be a painted track with a Camel sponsored F1 car - those I knew out there only seemed to smoke Camel.
Probably wouldn't work - racing cars, being busy, doing stuff, in a 'dam coffee house - but I loved the idea at the time.