Lotus To Return In Petronas Purchase?
The news that Malaysian oil giant Petronas has bought a controlling interest in national auto company Proton has sparked further speculation about of a Formula One return for Lotus.
Proton's ownership of the Lotus name is rumoured to be one of the reasons behind Petronas' move, but a grand prix entry is unlikely to be forthcoming in the near future. The arrival of Toyota in 2002 will ensure that all twelve team places are filled, leaving no room for Lotus to come in without another team either dropping out or being swallowed up by Petronas.
The news that Malaysian oil giant Petronas has bought a controlling interest in national auto company Proton has sparked further speculation about of a Formula One return for Lotus.
Proton's ownership of the Lotus name is rumoured to be one of the reasons behind Petronas' move, but a grand prix entry is unlikely to be forthcoming in the near future. The arrival of Toyota in 2002 will ensure that all twelve team places are filled, leaving no room for Lotus to come in without another team either dropping out or being swallowed up by Petronas.
It is more reasonable to expect that Sauber, which is heavily backed by the Malaysians, will adopt the Lotus name for its engines, which are currently badged in deference to Petronas, despite being supplied by Ferrari.
