Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes will be taking the 'softly, softly' approach in the iconic team's first year back in Formula One.
Iconic marque not expected to figure prominently on grid return
Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes will be taking the 'softly, softly' approach in the iconic team's first year back in Formula One.
In 37 previous seasons, Lotus racked up seven constructors' titles, six drivers' championships and 79 grand prix wins before a steep decline in fortunes saw them withdraw after the 1994 campaign.
Times have moved on and although still based at Hingham in Norfolk, the team is owned and financially supported out of Malaysia.
But the traditional green and yellow livery remains and Fernandes is keen to retain the car's legacy by building the team up from a quiet rebirth.
"What are my expectations? I would just love to finish every race in the next year," said Fernandes.
"If we can beat some of the new teams that would be a fantastic start, and if we can beat some of the established teams towards the end of the season that would be great.
"This is not a one-year project, we are not here to come last every year.
"We are here to build a proper team, build the right foundations, not have any aspirations, but build quietly and confidently.
Experience
"But mark my words we will compete with the very best, over a period, so the expectation this year is to try and build every race, to learn a lot."
Lotus opted for experience when it came to their driver line-up, taking on Heikki Kovalainen and veteran Jarno Trulli, and chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne insists the car will be fit to take its place on the grid.
"I have always said we will be a professional F1 team, even if we are a small one and even if we started late," said Gascoyne.
"Part of that is a rigorous design and testing process, and I think we have done everything very vigorously, and that is my job for these guys.
"When I allow a car to go on the race track for the first time, they are entrusting me with their well-being.
"And when I sign it off to go out, it has to be right. So that is the job we have done."
