Speculation is mounting that Lotus could be set to make a return to Formula One, more than 15 years after it last competed in the sport.
The team would takeover BMW Sauber, and be backed by Malaysian oil giant Petronas and Lotus, which is owned by Malaysia's national car maker Proton.
BMW Sauber announced it would be pulling out of the sport last month and Peter Sauber, who owns a 20 per cent stake in his former team, has reportedly been in Malaysia to discuss a potential takeover with BMW’s chief sponsor Petronas.
Commenting on the reports, Swiss newspaper Blick said: “In his luggage could be good news for the future.”
Lotus named Dany Bahar as its new CEO last week and he has strong motorsport connections through his time at Red Bull and more recently, Ferrari.
He takes over on 1 October and speaking on his new job, he said: “I am looking forward to taking on the challenges as CEO of this legendary and iconic company with a peerless motor sport history.
"I can't wait to get my plans underway in October.”
The Lotus Formula One name is currently owned by F3 team Litespeed and it lodged an entry to take part in next year’s championship, although it was originally overlooked. Litespeed, which is spearheaded by Mike Gascoyne, is believed to be ready to do a deal with BMW Sauber to secure a place on the grid next year.
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Re: F1 return for Lotus gathers pace
Sounds like there are decent chances of this happening. After all, Tyrell became BAR-Honda, became Honda, became BRAWN.
Here's to another comeback.
Re: F1 return for Lotus gathers pace
I consider Lotus to be one of the greatest companies in history in terms of offering us incredible sports cars, and in those terms certainly punch way above their weight in the industry.
I think it would be great for Lotus, and the motoring industry in general, if they could find a way to get on the grid, and further increase their potential to churn out world-beating sports cars.
Re: F1 return for Lotus gathers pace
It would be fantastic to have Lotus back in F1 but not at any cost.
Lotus cars are struggling, their future isn't certain. Since the Elise they've not really topped that, always deriving other cars from the superb Elise chassis. We need to see something spectacular from Lotus cars!
Last days of the F1 team were some of the saddest any F1 team could have experience. Underfunded, they still hit above their weight, but ultimately it couldn't continue. So a tarnished Lotus team finally came to an end.
If we could give Lotus a budget worthy of the heritage then yes it would be something amazing to watch the team grow.