In perhaps the most unexpected news in Formula 1 since Nelson Piquet Jr. lost his seat at Renault, Lotus Racing has announced that it is not going to play out the issue of the “Lotus” name in public.
I know, I know. Me, too. I’m shocked and disappointed.
Here’s the Lotus release:
LOTUS RACING UPDATE
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 30th September 2010
In a bid to alleviate the public confusion surrounding the ongoing matter between Lotus Racing and Proton / Group Lotus, Lotus Racing shareholder and Deputy Team Principal Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun recently had the opportunity to meet Proton Adviser Tun Dr Mahathir. The meeting was to discuss the matter in person and agree a future course of action for Lotus Racing.
Lotus Racing believes it is acting within its own rights, and as a result of this meeting, the team will now refrain from making any further comments on the matter. This action is upon advice from Tun Dr Mahathir, and it is out of our respect for him that we will act upon his wishes as he has supported us since our inception, and his backing has been invaluable in our growth.
We are very grateful for having had the opportunity to put forth our case and have complete trust that a fair review will be made, and a decision on the matter will be announced in due course.
Ends
I do love that the team says it believes it is right… and then about half a dozen words later announces it is shutting up. It did manage to get that last dig in.
But, supposedly that’s all we’ll hear. It’s a switch from the usual “let’s play everything out in public, from Spankgate to Spygate to trying out the new Mankini.” Do you think it is because a deal is possible, imminent, not going to happen, or is Lotus Racing on the losing end and starting to circle the wagons?
