Lotus wants to switch to French

Lotus Racing, the small team made in Malaysia, wants to grow big. While its legendary name is inspired by the great Team Lotus, even adopting the livery tinged with the splendid British Racing Green, the most serious of the new teams from 2010 aims to step up its game starting in 2011. When we talk about Team Lotus, enthusiasts remember the partnership with the French engine manufacturer Renault from the 1983 season with the supply of the fabulous V6 turbo engines. Today, it is very likely that the French engine manufacturer will be drawn to the beautiful green single-seater.

Indeed, the team principal, Tony Fernandes, and the technical director, Mike Gascoyne, participated in a meeting with the Renault executives on Sunday morning during the British Grand Prix.

The two parties seem willing to finalize an agreement, which should include mass-market vehicle projects.

Gascoyne plays it safe and does not forget his contractual obligations towards Cosworth, his engine supplier: «We have a contract with Cosworth and we are discussing with them ways to work together in the future.»

The idea of such an association brings back great names from the past of F1, with Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell among the most famous drivers who have driven a Lotus powered by a Renault engine.

The strategy of the team’s masterminds is perfectly executed since the team’s name should officially regain its original designation. Lotus Racing will soon become Team Lotus. Is history in the making?

It should be noted that the new Lotus team is already treated by F1 authorities as a continuation of its illustrious ancestor, which was created by the legendary Colin Chapman.

This engine supply contract should therefore be very comprehensive, even going beyond the simple framework of F1. For the French engine manufacturer, it’s also a means to place its contracted drivers.

In 2011, Trulli might claim a well-deserved retirement, Kovalainen might want a change of scenery. There is talk of him at Renault. Therefore, we might see a swap with Petrov.

Another option would see Petrov leaving Renault in favor of Räikkönen. With Trulli’s retirement, there would be at least one seat available at Lotus. Ho-Pin Tung, Jérôme d’Ambrosio, and Jan Charouz are under contract with the RF1 Driver Programme; they could be placed there to hone their talents. And if one of them can bring a major sponsor, the decision will be made quickly. A team with Malaysian funds might be receptive to the commercial advantages of a young Chinese driver like Ho-Pin Tung.

Renault therefore wants to put its engines in Lotus single-seaters, but also in the production cars. Perhaps it will also be able to place one of its protected drivers in one of the seats designed by Mike Gascoyne.

We are beginning to better understand Eric Boullier’s strategy, knowing that rumors also suggest the French engine manufacturer is in negotiations with Williams. Another relationship that has made its mark on the history of motor racing.

Would Formula 1 get into Back to the Future fashion?