Haas has not planned to visit the Lotus factory in Enstone
A representative of Gene Haas stated that the latter did not plan to visit the Lotus F1 Team factory, despite rumors that surfaced this weekend during the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Before the Spanish Grand Prix, a rumor emerged in the paddock, suggesting that Gene Haas, the owner of Haas Formula, who will join the F1 grid by 2015 or 2016, has an interest in the Enstone factory, headquarters of the Lotus F1 Team.
The question of the location of the future American team seems crucial: Haas has repeatedly stated that he wants his team to be based in the United States, specifically in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, this desire has been repeatedly questioned by some observers who believe it is a risk, particularly from a financial standpoint, as all team bases are located in Europe (England, Switzerland, and Italy), the historical heart of the discipline.
But *Autosport* reports that a representative from Haas – whose name is not mentioned – tried to quash the rumor: “Gene Haas has not planned to visit the Lotus factory.” This reaffirms the American entrepreneur’s stated intent: “Gene remains focused on building a Formula 1 team based in the United States, and his plans have not changed.”
Our British colleagues, however, explain that discussions have taken place with different parties regarding the possibility of a sale, but nothing has yet been set in stone. Caterham – whose owner, Tony Fernandes, indicated at the beginning of the season that it might withdraw if the results did not improve significantly – has also been approached.
Lotus amuses itself with the rumor
On the Lotus side, it was not through the voice of the leaders that the team reacted to this publication, but through its official Twitter account. Thus, throughout the day on Monday, the Enstone structure had fun posting photos of the team’s offices and garages – accompanied by the hashtag “#HaasWatch” – where the businessman was not present.
We took a quick walk down the corridors of power… Not here #HaasWatch pic.twitter.com/lWVrg8iYIB
— Lotus F1 Team (@Lotus_F1Team) 12 Mai /f1/actualite/17577-haas-devrait-visiter-les-installations-de-lotus-a-enstone.html
Not in the race bays… #HaasWatch but neither are the cars – PANIC! pic.twitter.com/8eNgehO4eY— Lotus F1 Team (@Lotus_F1Team) 12 Mai /f1/actualite/17577-haas-devrait-visiter-les-installations-de-lotus-a-enstone.html
The British team also posted a tweet announcing its pair of drivers for the tests that will take place tomorrow and Wednesday at the Barcelona circuit. Unsurprisingly, Gene Haas will not be getting into the cockpit of the Lotus E22.
We can officially confirm Gene Haas will not drive the E22 in testing tomorrow or Wednesday #HaasWatch – it’s @Charles_Pic1 & @Pastormaldo — Lotus F1 Team (@Lotus_F1Team) 12 Mai /f1/actualite/17577-haas-devrait-visiter-les-installations-de-lotus-a-enstone.html
