- 04 Feb 11, 13:07#237623Lotus Renault GP team manager Eric Boullier made some recent comments to clarify the ownership scheme of the Enstone based organization, now that French manufacturer Renault is out of the picture. At the end of the 2010 season, Renault decided to withdraw its factory support from the squad and focus on engine supply only, after which Group Lotus stepped in to help former co-owners Genii Capital maintain their operations alive.
However, when the 7-year deal between the two companies was announced in December, there were no details about Group Lotus's involvement in the new project. It's still unclear whether the British carmaker is a shareholder or a sponsor of the Enstone team. And Boullier now moved to clear that up.
“Renault decided to re-focus its resources in F1 and sold its remaining 25 per cent to Genii Capital,” said Boullier.
And Autosprint also reveals that in fact Genii Capital investment firm is in total control of the team, with Lotus Group having a clear sponsorship role in the operations. However, this may change in the upcoming few years, with Lotus Cars potentially becoming a shareholder in the team.
Talking about his new challenger for the 2011 F1 season, the R31, Boullier confirmed that its launch will happen one day before the Valencia test kicks off, yet admitted he's not sure whether the racer will incorporate the Magneti-Marelli KERS system from the get go.
In related news, it appears that 25 engineers belonging to Group Lotus' Malaysian carmaker owner Proton will be sent for two-year engagements to work at the F1 team, as reported by the GMM news agency.
“It's a good way to get fresh ideas and a new way of thinking,” said Boullier.
