Is Lotus really Lotus? Good or bad for the legacy?

They have to start somewhere, no? It's a completely different sport now....

Hopefully they'll rise up through the ranks like Red Bull have done.

Oh and I just found this out:

http://jalopnik.com/5473732/if-lotus-wins-an-f1-race-what-national-anthem-gets-played

VERY disappointing.

 

I don't see the big deal. Lotus F1 has been dead for many years. I'm glad the name is back, even if it's only symbolic. It's heck of a lot better than "force Malaysia".

Toyota's F1 cars were built in Germany. The new Spanish (now ex) Campos team will have their cars built in Italy. Spykers were Dutch but built in the UK.

As long as the spirit of Colin Chapman is alive and well, I have no problem in reintroducing his brand back into the racing community again.

The Malaysian government is using a lot of funds to sponsor this team. I don't see the harm in them getting a little credit.

 

Mixed feelings. It may turn out to be entertaining as they attempt to out-virgin Virgin. I just wish Kovalainen would drive under a Swedish or Malaysian license or something.

 

Too early too tell. If they turn out to be decent then it absolutely it's great for the Lotus name.

 

Heck, if they wanted to truly represent their current street lineup, they would use Toyota power.

I don't think that the people driving Elises really care about F1 success. (And yes, I know that they're not the same company)

I personally don't care. The green will look good as the Ferraris lap them.

 

Malaysian Tony Fernandes, used to work for Richard Branson and followed in his footsteps good for him I'am not knocking him.

IMO it's good that it has been revived, whatever the case it's better than nothing IMO.
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They are entitled to name the team what they want.

I am certain however that many Lotus fans see it as blasphemous as when the Brabham name was resurrected for a minnow team that was washed out of F1 very quickly...

It's just not the same without Colin Chapman and the JPS livery...

Think of it like this...How would you feel if you paid good money to go see a concert with your favorite band and a different band showed up to play?

You paid for the name, you should get the original performance and performers. Lotus's reputation was built on many years of hard work, success, and Colin's genius behind it!

For a bunch of newbies totally unrelated to the original team to show up under the Lotus name is wrong in MHO, and could tarnish a sporting legacy that should be honored and respected. Why on earth couldn't they have picked another name?

Unfortunately I foresee the Lotus name getting trashed just as the Brabham name got ridiculed for being worthless back markers...if you can't do it right, don't do it at all, but don't put a famous name at risk!

 

LOL, clever.

That's probably true just as most Ferrari drivers don't care about F1 either.

However personally I'm delighted that a great name is back in F1. And if I had a Lotus, I'd be very proud of it. In fact as a potential Exige buyer, this makes the car really a lot more attractive now.

Of all the newbie teams, this is the one I'm happiest to see simply because of the name. We lost BMW, but we gained Lotus. I take that deal any day.

 

As a former Lotus owner and one who actually met Colin Chapman I think you are wrong.

When Lotus stoped racing for good in 94, it was with Pacific GP... that was Pathetic. if you remember they were also rans way back in the late 80's. it took untill the mid 90's to put the final stake in them. I think Had Champman lived, he would have gone where the money is, he would not get totally caught up on the history, he would have done what he needed to do to be successful.

I also think its great that Proton is behind it, because now at least the same company that owns Lotus cars, actually owns / involved with Lotus F-1. It has not been like that since 1983. I wish them the best of luck.

I know its not the same team same owners etc... but Lotus is not even close to the company it used to be... its much better today! the products are better made, and are being sold consistently with support needed to keep them successful. Lets hope the F-1 team get the same treatment.

It woudl be great to see black & gold JPS back, but really i think its best to keep that back in the record books. Here's hoping to a successful Lotus F-1. I'm pulling for them!

 

Over here, it's getting a mixed reaction. Some people think that the goverment should use the funds to help the nation, not pour it into F1. I'm on the fence on this one. It's silly to pour that sorta money into F1, but then again, i'm itching to see if it works out.

Tony Fernandes is a successful self made multi millionaire here. He's a highly respected figure over here, and as long as he's having the reins, i think they should do fine.

I just hope they don't 'Malaysia-nized' the whole team. The last thing i would want to see a bunch of local chaps getting on there and making a fool out of themselves.

Back to the original topic, Tony got the family blessings to use the name Lotus, and thats all that matters, IMO.

 

Won't be an issue

 

Hehe.

Imagine what would happen if Obama would decide to use tax payer money to e.g. start the Ligier F1 team.

 

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/trul_lotu_jere_20100220-2.jpg

 

What a pretty car!

 

Lotus in name only.

That said glad to see the name return on a pretty car.