Team Lotus
History in F1
The Lotus name has a long history in F1 racing, dating back to the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. However, the current team name is somewhat of a misnomer, as it is owned by Air Asia CEO, Tony Fernandes. The Lotus name is now causing problems and Lotus cars has taken the team to court to stop the use of the name. This means that there are two teams using the Lotus name this season. The 2010 Season was Team Lotus’ debut season and the team was able to join the F1 racing circuit, due to BMW’s withdrawal.
Information
Team Lotus, as it stands today, debuted in the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix and team has had an uphill struggle. The team was plagued with mechanical problems, with two non-starts and 11 retires. Finishing the season with zero points, the team has much to prove in 2011.
Technical Details & Statistics
Lotus Racing is using the Lotus T128 chassis this season. The engine has been switched from Cosworth CA2010 last year, to Renault RS27-2011 engine. This means that Renault is supplying three teams with engines this year.
Base: Norfolk (UK)
Team Principal: Tony Fernandes
Main drivers: Jarno Trulli & Heikki Kovalainen
Engine: Cosworth CA2011
Chassis: T128
Debut F1 Season: 2010
World Championship Titles: 0
Highest race finish: 12 (x1)
Pole Position: 0
Fastest lap times: 0
Drivers
Driver 1: Jarno Trulli
Jarno Trulli has been a fixture in F1 racing, since hit debut in 1997. Trulli has driven for a range of teams, including Jordan, Minardi, Prost, Toyota and Renault. His last team was Toyota, but since Toyota pulled out of F1 after the 2009 season, Trulli has joined Team Lotus. Trulli brings a lot of experience to the track, but has not managed to reach his potential last season with Team Lotus. He retired out of seven races and 13th was his highest race finish. This meant that he finished the 2010 season with a disappointing zero points. He has much to prove this season.
Driver Statistics:
Nationality: Italy
Date of Birth: 13 July 1974
World Championship Titles: 0
Number of Grand Prix won: 1
Pole Positions: 4
Career Points: 246.5
Podiums: 11
Driver 2: Heikki Kovalainen
Heikki Kovalainen entered the F1 racing scene in 2004, with Team ING Renault as a test driver and then as the second driver for the same team. For the 2008 and 2009 season, Kovalainen drove for Team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, ranking 7th and 12th respectively. Kovalainen joined Team Lotus in 2010, but as with his driving mate, Trulli, had a disappointing season. He finished the season with zero points, with 12th the highest race finish for the season. Like his team mate, he has a lot to prove in 2011.
Driver Statistics:
Nationality: Finland
Date of Birth: 19 October 1981
World Championship Titles: 0
Number of Grand Prix won: 1
Pole Positions: 1
Career Points: 105
Podiums: 4