We should all have pride in Lotus' F1 return

While most people on Friday were gleefully taking a day off because they were ‘snowbound’, me and Sports Desk Pete didn’t have the luxury.

We had to skate our way (in a Vauxhall Astra) to Hingham, to take in Lotus’ new Formula One surroundings.

Now most seem sceptical about the reincarnation of Norfolk’s great marquee, which is set for the 2010 grid and the season opener in Bahrain in two months’ time.

And I wasn’t around when Colin Chapman created one of the best loved names in the sport.

But to write off Mike Gascoyne’s new outfit as something that would be lucky to spit on the shoes of Chapman’s endeavours is to miss the point.

Gascoyne is Norwich born and bred. He grew up in Old Catton and went to Wymondham College. And he grew up with Lotus being integral to the local sporting scene – both in performance and ethos.

Lotus’ new technical director knows what the marquee is all about – and from speaking to him, he’s not about to run that name through the mud on his watch.

Chapman’s days were a bygone era – and things are different now.

Whether the money comes from a multinational conglomerate, the Malaysian government or Pukka Pies, the car is being put together (mostly) in this county. In Hingham.

The drivers will play golf at Barnham Broom.

The engineers and other support staff will know the area and its proud motorsport heritage.

So for me, come Sakhir on March 14, there will be a Norfolk team – and a green car with yellow stripes – on the grid, to follow and cheer.

Two cars we should all get behind and be proud of.

posted on 13 January 2010 10:49 byMichael Bailey - Sportsdesk

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