Lotus Racing F1 Team Race Report: Bahrain GP

Malaysia's Lotus Racing F1 Team did the country proud on the 14th of March at the Bahrain GP. After drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli qualified at 20th and 21st position respectively, both cars managed to finished the 49-lap race. While Kovalainen finished at 15th place, team-mate Trulli was hit with a hydraulic problem towards the end of the race, although the Italian managed to nurse the car to the end at a much reduced pace to grab 17th place. In the process, Lotus also made headlines as they were the only newcomer to finish the race. The other two new teams, Virgin Racing and Hispania Racing had their cars retired due to mechanical problems. Team Principal Datuk Tony Fernandes said after the race, "I'm completely over the moon. I cannot describe the feeling. Six months of work and to have both cars finish is just unbelievable. We're thrilled. We wanted to finish the race and to do so ahead of established teams is fantastic. Before the race Clive Chapman gave me Colin Chapman's old Lotus cap and said 'when you win the first race you'll be the man to throw this up in the air like my Dad used to.' That meant a lot to me. It was a wonderful gesture and it's like handing over the mantle of one of motor racing's great dynasties."