Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes ecstatic to gain from 10th place constructors’ finish – Formula 1
Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes was ecstatic after taking the tenth place in the constructors’ championship at the final race of the 2011 season at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The tenth place finish meant that now Team Lotus will be classified as a column 1 team under the income distribution tables in the Concorde Agreement, and are now eligible for almost $36 million. In 2010, Team Lotus finished at tenth as well but they made
$8 million. Considering the significant change in revenue Team Lotus may turn out to be more competitive from next season because of a better financial standing.
Fernandes said that he was almost in tears as his team secured the tenth place ahead of HRT and Lotus. He also praised Heikki Kovalainen who finished ahead of Renault’s Bruno Senna. Fernandes said that the team has put in the effort for last two years and
they are reaping the benefits now.
“Almost tears for me today,” Fernandes said. “I am absolutely overjoyed. Two years of hard work have paid off today and it was great to see both cars home safely, helping us win tenth place. The icing on the cake was beating a Renault - that meant a lot
to me as I have always said the good guys do win.”
Fernandes also cleared recent speculation that Daniel Ricciardo might be in line to replace Jarno Trulli by saying, “Right now we have a contract and he [Trulli] will race.”
Team Lotus will be known as Caterham from 2012, as they have signed a deal with Caterham cars, and after a long battle fought with Renault over the Lotus name they decided to leave the Lotus name altogether and go with Caterham.
Fernandes explained that now Team Lotus will be looking forward and hoping to build on the momentum they have gained over the span of two years. He also wanted to pay his regards to Colin Chapman and said that he wishes that he has made him proud. He hoped
that he can keep an eye over Caterham F1 as well for an even better performance in 2012.
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