Zoom Kobayashi and Trulli linked with Lotus

A Lotus team official has given no indication as to whether there is substance to reports linking Kamui Kobayashi with the team for next year, but is flattered to be considered as a possible target for young drivers and established racers alike. Jarno Trulli, Jacques Villeneuve and Christian Klien have already been linked with the new Malaysian-owned outfit, and after Toyota's departure from F1, Kobayashi named Lotus as his preferred option for next year.

The Japanese driver impressed while deputising for the injured Timo Glock in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, and had Toyota stayed in F1 he would almost certainly have secured a full time seat.

Lotus F1 chief executive Riad Asmat said he was happy the new team is being considered a strong option by drivers. "It is quite an honour for us to be seen as such and for drivers such as Kobayashi wanting to be part of the team, he told the New Straits Times. “This means they see us as a serious team even though we're new."

Jacques Villeneuve has met with Lotus' Mike Gascoyne in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, but insists no deal has yet been completed.

"It's very flattering to know that he said publicly that we have spoken," Villeneuve told France's Rue Frontenac. "The discussions are still only preliminary and we're not yet at the stage to talk about the details of a possible association."

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM