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Fernandes proud of Lotus line-up
17:45, Dec 14 2009
Lotus boss Tony Fernandes believes envious eyes are being cast in the direction of his team following Monday's announcement of their driver line-up for 2010.
The Malaysia-backed marque will have Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli in the cockpit of their cars as Lotus returns to F1 for the first time since 1994.
"We have not even finished our first race car, so to attract two race winning drivers to the team is a huge achievement and honour," reflected Fernandes. "I think it is a testament to our ambition and long-term vision we have such talent on our books in year one."
He added: "It is further proof we are serious about what we do, and I am sure the other new teams are looking at us with some envy right now."
Given the fledgling nature of the team, the CEO of AirAsia insists there will be no undue pressure placed on Kovalainen and Trulli to immediately score results and points.
Asked as to his expectations of the duo, Fernandes said: "It is more a question of what we all expect from each other rather than just from the drivers.
"Next season will be the first for Lotus F1 Racing and we have a lot to achieve in a short space of time. As with any new venture, it is a case of 'all hands on deck'.
"Everybody has a vital role to play, but it is about bringing a new team together and gelling. The drivers each bring different experience to the team and I think the combination of their skills will help us quickly establish ourselves as the ones to watch in 2010 and beyond."
Kovalainen, who has spent the last two years in the shadow of Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, is under no illusion as to the difficulties he and Trulli will likely face at a debut team.
The Finn, who has one race victory in Hungary and one pole to his name, said: "I always race to win and I will do everything as if I was preparing to put the car on pole. But of course we have to be realistic and keep the focus on developing the team to a state where we can operate like any other current top F1 team."
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