Trulli, Fairuz possible drivers for Team Lotus

2009/11/04

By Arnaz M. Khairul

A LONG list of drivers, not just six as reported to be on Lotus F1's shortlist, are being looked at with Jarno Trulli and Fairuz Fauzy ahead of the pack.

There are also indications that Lotus F1 could go for both 35-year-old Italian Trulli and Toyota teammate Timo Glock as race drivers, pending the Japanese team's board decision on their F1 operations by mid-month.

A clearer picture of who the new team will have on board for their debut season next year will emerge over the next two weeks, with technical director Mike Gascoyne eager to announce the much anticipated driver line-up by the end of the month.

Gascoyne stated that the team have not signed any contract with Swiss driver Neel Jani, who was yesterday reported as having had talks with the team.

"I have not been in contact with him personally. But he is the type of driver that fits the profile of what we would be looking for," said Gascoyne.

"I am dealing with all the discussions we are having with the drivers myself. So I can confirm that we have had more lengthy discussions with Jarno Trulli. But we are waiting to see what happens.

Timo Glock also has had discussions with Lotus F1 technical director Mike Gascoyne on the possibility of being a driver for the team.

"Another driver is Fairuz Fauzy. It is very likely that he will be in the team, but we can't say whether it will be as a reserve or race driver."

Gascoyne confirmed that he has also had discussions with 27-year-old German Glock.

Asked of the possibility that the team would be looking at British interest with rumours also linking former Super Aguri driver Anthony Davidson to the team, Gascoyne denied that there was any such interest.

"This is a Malaysian team and we're looking at Malaysian interests. And we also want the best possible drivers so that we can deliver results on the track," Gascoyne added.

"Anthony is fit, he has the experience in F1, but we've not had discussions with him."

Questions about Indian driver Karun Chandok received a similar response, with Gascoyne not confirming whether they have had talks with him, although his profile does fit what is required.

"We've talked to many more drivers than what you've mentioned. Over the next two weeks, we'll have a clearer picture, and draw up a shortlist of who we can have. By the end of the month, we hope to be able to make the announcement," said Gascoyne.