Trulli and Kovalainen are Lotus drivers
The love affair between Trulli and Lotus been rumored for months, because of the friendship between the Italian and Mike Gascoyne. The fact that Toyota insinuate that its pilots were free to negotiate their future, and later the official farewell of the Japanese, made the link between Trulli and Lotus will be strengthening.
Fairly unobtrusive has been the signing of Kovalainen, whose name was on many pools, but always with rumors of little force. Fairuz Fauzy, as we know it will be third driver.
For the announcement, the Lotus team has not gone by halves, and is that the squad of pilots was disclosed by Minister of Sports of Malaysia, Ahmad Shabery Cheek, making denote all the emphasis by government and a country in F1 Draft.
He said: “I am delighted that local talent has been recognized for leading the team with key appointments is being made between Malays in particular. I am also very happy with the driver development program is already underway and that promote racing as a sport among Malaysians. “
“This project not only makes the country proud, but also be a springboard for Malaysia to future growth, especially to high-tech industry. In fact, this project must be 100% supported by Malay people or corporations, to ensure that it becomes a success. Since Prime Minister announced the project in September 1Malaysia I am happy with the progress made by the team, with a car that is fully built and tested, and I think it is on track to a great season. ”
He finally concluded by praising the choice of pilots: “Personally, I am impressed with the Lotus Racing F1 drivers for next year, with its right mix of experience and perseverance.”
In that sense there was also the team manager Tony Fernandes: “Trulli will bring a lot of experience to develop the team. Heikki is a young driver with much experience, so I think we have some fantastic pilots with Fairuz also. It’s a wonderful blend of experience, youth and passion. “
“We’re setting big goals, we want to at least be the best of the new equipment. But I think this shows how serious we are today with the announcement of two major world-class riders.
Trulli, who will work with Gascoyne, also expressed satisfaction with the new project: “I was impressed by the long view in managing teams and technical staff. Tony has set very ambitious plans and am prepared to help the team to achieve these lofty goals. I am also pleased to work again with Mike Gascoyne, someone with whom I have enjoyed previous success in computers. I get along great with him and respect his work style.
Heikki Kovalainen was expressed in the same vein: “I just arrived from our factory and was impressed to see how far the team has advanced so little tiempodesde which was released in September, and the determination of each to achieve the ambitious goals Tony. I knew immediately that it would be a fantastic opportunity to help them achieve their goals. “
Finally, Fauzy declared his great pleasure to be in F1 Hand of a Malaysian team: “There is no greater honor than to have the opportunity to drive for your country. I was given the opportunity to do for A1 Team Malaysia A1GP for a couple of years, but have the opportunity to join the first team of Malaysian Formula 1 is something very special for me and the highlight of my career so far.
“I hope to work closely with Jarno and Heikki in developing the car and the team together in our first season in Formula 1. I’m sure we can make Malaysia a proud nation,” concluded Fauzy.
No doubt the duo Trulli, Kovalainen is emerging as the most experienced of the new teams, bringing together experience and speed. It is a clear indication of the intentions of 1Malaysia Lotus, certainly a big gamble.