Team Lotus Will Launch 2011 Car in January

Team Lotus has learned its lesson well enough in Formula One and started off preparations for the 2011 campaign from as early as July this year. Consequently, their 2011-spec car will be up and ready for media debut in January, and will be taken to the track from the very first test of the off-season, in Valencia.

“Our 2011 car has been in the wind tunnel since July and we have achieved our monthly objectives set,” Team Lotus' chief executive Riad Asmat has revealed in a recent interview with The Star in Malaysia.

“I'm very pleased with the situation and we're just eager for the launch of the car in January,” he added, without disclosing the name of the chassis or the exact date the car will be revealed to the overall public. Additionally, it's not known whether the car will be launched through a media event, or in the pit lane of the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia.

The first test of the season kicks off on February 1st and will last for 3 days, being held on the aforementioned track. Until now, only Sauber F1 Team confirmed their car launch date for January 31st, while Scuderia Toro Rosso revealed they will have their car ready by the test in Valencia.

As far as Team Lotus is concerned however, the organization is yet to find out if they can continue to use both the name of Lotus in F1 and the green and gold colors for their 2011 car. Responding those issues, Asmat insisted a potential change of livery will not affect the launch of the car dramatically.

“We might have to look into the colours before the season starts. But it's just colors, nothing much. The majority of public feedback wants us to continue using the green and yellow livery. But the most important aspect of the car is how fast can it go, not how beautiful it will look in either green or black,” he added.