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[scotty]

Sato drops out of Lotus contention

By Matt Beer Sunday, December 13th 2009, 11:06 GMT

The new Lotus team looks set to field Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen next season after Takuma Sato's management revealed that the Japanese driver had been informed he had failed to secure a drive with the squad.

Sato was believed to be vying with Kovalainen for one Lotus seat, with Trulli a strong favourite for the other. Lotus is due to announce its line-up tomorrow, but Sato's manager Matthew Winter says his driver has already missed out.

"We know Taku has not got Lotus - we found out yesterday," Winter told Reuters. "He has now come off the list."

Winter had hoped Sato would find favour with Lotus' Asian backers, as the team is ultimately set to be based in Malaysia, and has been founded by Air Asia entrepreneur Tony Fernandes.

"We don't know what the criteria was," Winter said. "We thought he was a very strong contender, you don't get more Asian than Taku."

Sato had hoped that the expanded Formula 1 field next season would enable him to make a comeback nearly two years after the collapse of Super Aguri left him on the sidelines. He had also been linked to the IndyCar Series, but said F1 was his first priority.

With the Lotus option gone, Winter conceded that Sato's hopes of a 2010 F1 seat were now fading.

"We haven't given up," he said. "There are still a few seats open and we are trying to hunt them down. His options are running out so we don't know if he is going to be in Formula 1 next year."

Lotus are sorted then. Not many seats left now! I'm surprised USF1 haven't at least announced one driver so far, and there's basically been NO news about them either. That doesn't look good...

[Jabberwocky]

I have a feeling that USF1 are going to sign a driver that is big time in the states.

if they do exist as a team

[Jensonb]

Sato drops out of Lotus contention

By Matt Beer Sunday, December 13th 2009, 11:06 GMT

The new Lotus team looks set to field Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen next season after Takuma Sato's management revealed that the Japanese driver had been informed he had failed to secure a drive with the squad.

Sato was believed to be vying with Kovalainen for one Lotus seat, with Trulli a strong favourite for the other. Lotus is due to announce its line-up tomorrow, but Sato's manager Matthew Winter says his driver has already missed out.

"We know Taku has not got Lotus - we found out yesterday," Winter told Reuters. "He has now come off the list."

Winter had hoped Sato would find favour with Lotus' Asian backers, as the team is ultimately set to be based in Malaysia, and has been founded by Air Asia entrepreneur Tony Fernandes.

"We don't know what the criteria was," Winter said. "We thought he was a very strong contender, you don't get more Asian than Taku."

Sato had hoped that the expanded Formula 1 field next season would enable him to make a comeback nearly two years after the collapse of Super Aguri left him on the sidelines. He had also been linked to the IndyCar Series, but said F1 was his first priority.

With the Lotus option gone, Winter conceded that Sato's hopes of a 2010 F1 seat were now fading.

"We haven't given up," he said. "There are still a few seats open and we are trying to hunt them down. His options are running out so we don't know if he is going to be in Formula 1 next year."

Lotus are sorted then. Not many seats left now! I'm surprised USF1 haven't at least announced one driver so far, and there's basically been NO news about them either. That doesn't look good...

It's pretty obvious at this stage that USF1 is in big trouble.

[yamashek]

KOBAYASHI!
C'mon, this lad is the best Japanese F1 driver i've ever seen yet!

[Big Azza]

Looks like no one is listening, mate.

This is starting to suck for Japan. No Sato, and no Kobayashi. I view Sato as the greatest Japanese driver I've seen. However Kobayashi has shown is immense talent in just 2 races. But see, that reason can also go against him - he has raced only 2 races.

[Jabberwocky]

Looks like no one is listening, mate.

This is starting to suck for Japan. No Sato, and no Kobayashi. I view Sato as the greatest Japanese driver I've seen. However Kobayashi has shown is immense talent in just 2 races. But see, that reason can also go against him - he has raced only 2 races.

No Honda, no Toyota

You also seem to have forgotten about Ide

[darwin dali]

Looks like no one is listening, mate.

This is starting to suck for Japan. No Sato, and no Kobayashi. I view Sato as the greatest Japanese driver I've seen. However Kobayashi has shown is immense talent in just 2 races. But see, that reason can also go against him - he has raced only 2 races.

No Honda, no Toyota

You also seem to have forgotten about Ide

Fuji gone as well.

[Big Azza]

Looks like no one is listening, mate.

This is starting to suck for Japan. No Sato, and no Kobayashi. I view Sato as the greatest Japanese driver I've seen. However Kobayashi has shown is immense talent in just 2 races. But see, that reason can also go against him - he has raced only 2 races.

No Honda, no Toyota

You also seem to have forgotten about Ide

Yeah, I only started watching F1 in the 2007 season. But I've known this Sato fellow since '05. The only other Jap I've known is Nakajima.

[Jensonb]

Looks like no one is listening, mate.

This is starting to suck for Japan. No Sato, and no Kobayashi. I view Sato as the greatest Japanese driver I've seen. However Kobayashi has shown is immense talent in just 2 races. But see, that reason can also go against him - he has raced only 2 races.

No Honda, no Toyota

You also seem to have forgotten about Ide

Ide being gone is a plus for Japan's standing in F1.

[Chress]

pleased for Heikki if he gets the drive. will be nice to see him in a team where his teammate isn't a world champion.

[Big Azza]

Why is he ruled out of the Merc GP Seat? Kovi - I mean.

[bud]

Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen will race for Lotus next year, after the newly-formed Formula 1 team confirmed its line-up in a press conference held at Malaysia today.

Malaysian-born Fairuz Fauzy was also confirmed as the team's third driver.

The Lotus line-up was officially revealed by Malaysia's sports minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek in a press conference at Kuala Lumpur, and the minister emphasized the government's expectations from its backing of the new team.

"I'm very pleased that local talents have been recognised to help drive the team, with key appointments being made among Malaysians in particular," Cheek was quoted as saying.

"I'm very elated that the driver development programme is already underway to promote motorsports as an affordable sporting activity among Malaysians.

"This project will not only make the country proud but will be a launch pad for Malaysia towards future growth, especially towards high-tech industry. Indeed, this project should be 100 per cent supported by Malaysians, individuals or corporations to ensure it becomes a success.

"Since the prime minister announced the 1 Malaysia project in September, I'm very happy to note that the team has achieved significant progress, with the car being fully built and tested and I believe they are on track to make an impact next season"

The Malaysian minister further congratulated Lotus on its experienced choice of drivers, stating: "I'm personally impressed with Lotus F1 Racing driver line-up for next year, with its good combination of experience, drive and stamina.

Trulli joins Lotus from Toyota, after the Japanese team pulled out of F1 last month; while Kovalainen has left McLaren, where he will be replaced by world champion Jenson Button.

Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes also outlined the drivers' experience, but also said the Italian and Finn will bring exuberance to the team.

"Trulli will bring us a lot of experience to develop the team. Heikki is a young driver with a lot of experience so I think we have fantastic drivers, with Fairuz as well. It is a wonderful mix of experience, youth and passion."

Lotus is one of four new teams to join the 26-car F1 grid in 2010, along with Campos, US F1 and Manor. Fernandes stated the team's objective is to be the best of the newcomers.

"We are not setting any big targets, we want to at least be the best of the new teams," he said. "But I think it shows our seriousness today by announcing two really world class drivers."

[iFuel]

http://www.lotusf1racing.my


At least the website color scheme is good... British Racing Green with yellow... I really hope they use this scheme for car livery

[Juliet P]

Why is he ruled out of the Merc GP Seat? Kovi - I mean.

Mercedes know him. Plus they're looking for a race-winner to lead the team. He doesn't qualify.

[Gaz]

glad kovi has a seat, hopfully without the pressure now he can perform.