LOTUS team principal Tony Fernandes has one main aim ahead of the 2010 Formula One season – to finish ahead of fellow airline boss Richard Branson.
Fernandes, who is also CEO of AirAsia, is the figurehead behind Lotus’ return to F1 for the first time since 1994. As one of four new marques competing next year, Lotus will be in competition with Manor GP, who are to be rebranded Virgin Racing following an expected tie-up with Branson’s company.
Asked as to his target for the new season, Fernandes replied: “For me, to make sure I’m ahead of Richard Branson.
“I used to work for him, we partnered together on the airline, so I would like to see him behind me on the grid. We think we are going to have a very reasonable car. We know we aren’t going to be competing (at the front) in year one, but it takes time and we’ll have a good basis for moving forward.”
