Lotus returns to Formula 1 in 2010

Change is in the air, as Formula One prepares itself for a new dawn when the 2010 season gets under way next spring. Among the many novelties will be the extension of this elite company from 11 to 13 teams. Most prominent among those leaving is BMW Sauber, who we will be sad to say goodbye to, but notable among a cluster of no-name-brand hopefuls is an illustrious racing name: Lotus.

Even though the team that will be competing in the sport again after a decade and a half’s absence is not exactly the same organisation set up by the brilliant Colin Chapman, the name lives on. Younger motoring fans will have to become acquainted with Lotus – whose colours are yet to be confirmed – but older enthusiasts will remember the heady 60s, when the likes of Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Stirling Moss and Jochen Rindt propelled their dark green cars to countless victories.

The advent of sponsoring by tobacco companies saw them change first to red, before JPS provided the memorable black and gold leverage of the 70s and 80s. Throughout those golden years, Lotus won the drivers’ championship and constructors’ title in 1963, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1978. The constructor’s championship was also won in 1973. Having tasted success with Emerson Fittipaldi and Mario Andretti, the team’s last world champion, success started to dry up in the 80s, though Lotus remained one of the classic and best-loved teams in Formula One – and continued to attract drivers of the calibre of Elio de Angelis, Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna.

Today’s team has commercial links in Asia, yet its roots remain firmly rooted in Norfolk, where local boy and seasoned F1 veteran Mike Gascoyne will be basing operations as the team prepares for its first season back in 15 years. For Gascoyne it is the realisation of a dream, yet he remains realistic about his team’s chances of competing at the top, emphasising that Lotus will have to find their footing in the sport again. With drivers and cars yet to be presented much remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure, whoever gets into that cockpit will be carrying the tradition of a team with 73 race victories, 102 pole positions and 65 fastest laps. In other words: the return of one of the greatest teams in racing history.

New post on at Wednesday, 21 October, 2009, 6:31 am and is archived in Classic cars, Lifestyle, Sport. Subscribe to answers with RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.