Another important guest at Lotus

Just one day after Lotus Racing’s Hingham factory was officially opened by former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir, the team played host to HRH The Duke of York - formerly known as Prince Andrew.

Team principal Tony Fernandes and chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne gave the Duke an official tour of the team’s facility and presented him with a commemorative set of his own Lotus Racing overalls.

The Duke’s visit was a landmark occasion for Lotus Racing. It gave the team a chance to thank him personally for the pivotal role he played in the formation of the latest British team to join the Formula One grid, and provided His Royal Highness with an opportunity to see progress at the factory since the team’s formation in September 2009.

During his tour The Duke was introduced to a number of the team’s staff, including drivers Heikki Kovalainen, Jarno Trulli and Fairuz Fauzy, together with members of the technical and mechanical departments who were honoured that their workplace was visited by such an esteemed guest.

“I have been privileged to work with His Royal Highness over a number of years in his role as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment," said Fernandes. "As is well known without HRH’s efforts Air Asia X’s partnership with Rolls Royce would not have become a reality. What is perhaps less well recognised is that the Duke was one of the primary catalysts behind our substantial capital investment here in Norfolk.

"Indeed it was thanks to the Duke’s advice in June of 2009 that we began another extraordinary partnership between Malaysia and the United Kingdom that has culminated in the successful entry and creation of the Lotus Racing T127 grand prix car. I am delighted that His Royal Highness was able to join us at Lotus Racing today.”