Lotus may make a step forward in China with a "big" upgrade, which is exciting because Raikkonen believes the car is the difference between his comeback and Schumacher's.
New front wing for Lotus: please log in to view this image You have to wonder how much longer they can keep up with McLaren and Red Bull in terms of development.
Problems at Lotus http://www.f1today.net/en/news/lotus-waiting-to-pay-staff-and-kimi-raikkonen--report
The staff situation is a bit worrying, but I can't imagine Raikkonen kicking up too much of a fuss. He's loaded, he wants to be in F1, and no better seat on the grid is available. I'd be fairly sure he'll be there in 2013.
Coca-Cola's Burn brand to sponsor Lotus Formula 1 team http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/104460 ----- .. .. "We are proud that The Coca-Cola Company [via Burn] has chosen Lotus F1 Team as the best vehicle to represent the burn brand in its most high profile partnership," said team boss Eric Boullier. "We are excited to partner with burn to build a new and innovative model for sponsorships that will combine experiences, content creation and social media." Burn said in a statement that it plans to incorporate "art and music in a way that will break the conventions of traditional F1 sponsorship". .. .. ----- http://burn.com/en_GB/movers/burn_formula1_racing.html
ties in with my story above. they will now have the money. Bit shoke that Coca - cola: A) didnt sign with Mclaren directly as replacement for vodaphone as reported. B) didnt choose Relentless to sponsor lotus as it would fit much better.
Mclaren couldn't take Coca Cola as a sponsor, they've got a long term tie-up with GSK (who make Lucozade) in the form of a technical centre + sponsorship, so that'd be prohibitive. I'm also surprised they didn't go with Relentless, but I suppose it was a decision made out of fear. If they pit their major energy drink against Red Bull, at least to begin with they're going to lose, and that'll mean the brand takes a hit. Hopefully they don't ask for an american driver just yet, nobody is really good enough. The extra money should take care of the staff pay situation though you'd hope. Are they going to be title sponsors? Burn-Lotus-Renault? Edit: Also, how the heck are they going to incorporate art and music?
wow Lotus are really getting the American backing! http://www.f1today.net/en/news/lotus-to-announce-title-sponsorship-deal-with-honeywell
Ok Im going to get this in now. Maybe they could regulate Grosjeans Hot head starts..... Ill grab my coat.
