Lotus sign first driver ahead of Formula One return

Jarno Trulli, left, and Mike Gascoyne during their time together at Renault in 2003.

MICHAEL BAILEY
18 November 2009 15:08

Lotus' new Formula One team has signed its first driver ahead of their return to the grid next season.

The Norfolk-based team is not planning to reveal the identity of their new driver until his team-mate has also signed on the dotted line.

However, it is believed the man set to lead Lotus back to the Forumla One grid next season is experienced Italian driver, Jarno Trulli.

The constructor's technical director, Norwich-born Mike Gascoyne, has already sung the praises of Trulli and said in a recent interview: “On a single lap, Jarno is always able to do an excellent time.

“It is important for a team to know fairly quickly where it is on a Saturday. Jarno would give us that.”

Trulli, 35, has worked with Gascoyne at Jordan, Renault and Toyota during his time in Formula One, but the winner of the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix is currently without a drive for next season after Toyota pulled the plug on its interest in the sport.

This year's campaign saw the Italian, who has driven more than 200 grands prix to his name, finish on the podium three times - in Australia, Bahrain and Japan - taking eighth place in the drivers' championship in the process, after 13 seasons of Formula One.

Team principal Tony Fernandes revealed earlier on Wednesday on his Twitter page: “Public announcement soon. The dream continues”.

Malaysian World Series by Renault driver Fairuz Fauzy is also expected to become part of the Lotus drivers' set-up, with the 27-year-old lined up for a role as tester.

Gascoyne added: “Fairuz will be in the team probably as a reserve driver or a test driver. He has the talent but we don't want him to 'crash and burn' in the race because of his inexperience.”

With two places on the 2010 grid to fill, Lotus are expected to officially unveil their driver line-up before the end of this month.

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