Formula One news

Lotus wanting experienced drivers

The Lotus team is searching for two experienced drivers as the famous name returns to Formula One next season. Team Technical Director Mike Gascoyne, who holds the opinion that the outfit has gone from 'last to the first' of the news teams, believes that the recruitment of two knowledgeable drivers is vital.

With the 1Malaysia-owned squad currently located only in Norfolk, it will soon be opening new facilities at the Sepang circuit, with two well-known faces likely to be present. "We're looking for two drivers with experience," Gascoyne explained. "We're not looking for pay drivers or new drivers; we think it's very important for the team.

"What is becoming clear to every one of the new teams is that we've gone from last to first of the new teams very rapidly, we're being seen as a serious entity - we've got quite a lot of interest but we want two experienced drivers there."

Trulli looks to be a likely Lotus candidate

With Mike's own working relationships with Jarno Trulli at Jordan, Renault and Toyota from the past placing the Italian at the top of the list, the departure of Toyota is likely to act as greater reason for Trulli to make the move. "He's one of the guys we'd like to have," Gascoyne continued. "Jarno has, over one lap, always been sensational and that's even more important in a new team because you need to know where you are on a Saturday - Jarno can always give you that."

1997 Champion Jacques Villeneuve is another man to have spoken with Lotus, which hopes to reveal its full line-up by the end of this month.


See also: Kobayashi eyeing Lotus seat

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