Lotus Renault GP team principal Eric Boullier is in town, together with Lotus brand ambassador and ex- F1 driver Jean Alesi and Gino Rosato, Director of Corporate Operations at Group Lotus. GL organised a brief press conference at Pavilion KL this afternoon, and the lunch function was joined by LRGP’s reserve driver Fairuz Fauzy.
There wasn’t much time as they were rushing to attend the next function (launch of the F1 Malaysian GP, also at Pavilion) and there was a big media group, but we did get a few words out of the tired visitors.
Jean Alesi (left) jokingly offers his services to Eric Boullier’s Lotus Renault GP
Frenchman Boullier, who in the past managed A1 Team France, reiterated that Lotus Renault’s target this year is to be challenging for a podium spot. “We aim to win some races and be a regular on the podium,” he proclaimed. Eric’s predictions for the season opening race in Australia? “I can see Red Bull and Ferrari in front, then I hope we’ll be leading the troops,” he said with a smile.
Boullier, who did not want to comment on the Lotus name row with Team Lotus, was consistent. We previously carried this quote from him: “We want to win with this car. To win you need to be a regular podium finisher – and then you will win – and that is our target”. He also said that while we can’t look too much into the test sessions that the teams went through so far, this week’s test in Barcelona would be close to the car’s real performance.
Jean Alesi, who could pass off as a younger Sylvester Stallone, explained his role in Lotus to us. The ex-Ferrari and Benetton driver said that he’s happy to be part of something new.
“It’s a great opportunity. Lotus Cars is an iconic brand and everything is starting from scratch,” referring to the brand turnaround led by Dany Bahar. “I’m extremely happy – it’s the beginning and you’re part of it,” he went on.
Alesi’s role is to help develop the Exos Type 125 “F1 for customers” car. Gino Rosato explained that the Frenchman was chosen as “he’s one of the most passionate driver’s in the business”. Alesi isn’t involved in the F1 team, but “if Lotus needs me I’ll be available,” he said with a naughty smile to Boullier.
Some press members asked the panel if Fairuz Fauzy will get a chance to drive for the team, and here’s what Boullier had to say: “Fairuz is realistic. He’s with us to learn from a big team. We believe he can race one day”.
The Malaysian added that this new position is an upgrade for him. “It’s a move forward for me. I will learn a lot from a more experienced and stronger team. My target is to do well in GP2 this year,” he said.
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Berangan la Lotus renault GP.Kau ingat kau boleh challange Red Bull,ferrari dan maclaren ke?
Ni bukan Lotus Tony Fernandes. Ni Renault.
Bodoh. Kau ingat kau tu terer sangat bawak kereta F1 ker…? Even if they lose, they lose in honour, not like you who only know to talk a lot of shit. If you think you’re so terer and have balls, then challenge them to race on track and don’t be a chicken…!!!
Fanatic proton sangat la ni…
So what if he is so fanatic about Proton,better than you.Talk rubbish.
A team should be ambitious.
The ambitious that cant be achieve!!LOL
Argghhh bisinglar Tony’s gang ni!!
stakat challenge pkai game Wii ko tu apa barang turun track la
kau tu setakat guna engine Mivec buat pe?Pakai la enjin ferrari ke,Renault ke.Apa da.
jom guna savvy..
Renault and Lotus is 2 giant and legend team in Formula 1. Good collaboration. Hopefully this collaboration they will bring the good result in this season.
If you’re referring Lotus to Team Lotus of yore, yes they were. Group Lotus is not a legend in F1 world.
I love this comment!
yes they are legend in the past. but now no more. only Group Lotus owns the future. Mark my words!
as predicted… Fairuz job is only for PR errand for LRGP
After Mysian GP has ended, Fauzy will be ignored by Renault F1. He will be back in GP2 and unless if he improves, he is even got defeated by Team Air Asia drivers in GP2. Shame for him.
Sly & Alesi, the resemblance… wow
OK, i’m not alone then. Especially the 3rd small pic there…
Want to see a clearer comparison, go watch the Sly movie Driven. One scene shows both of them shaking hands.
in memory with Alex Yoong!
alex yoong dulu mana ade penah mng..asyik terbabas je..buat malu org mesia..
“Fairuz is realistic” …. even himself know ….. where’s his ability
it’s the french way of saying “your job is not to drive but just be a pretty boy”.
ha ha ha…i like ur comment…fairuz better stick with tony team.its more Malaysian team then lotus renault team…
“We believe he can race one day” – wait till F1 uses hybrid engine ehh? XD