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Hunt wishes Team Lotus success on its return to Formula 1

"This is an emotional weekend for me"

By Franck Drui

26 March 2011 - 18:53

The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend marks the long-awaited return to F1 of the Team Lotus name. It is the first time since The Australian Grand Prix of 1994 that the legendary brand, winner of 79 Grands Prix and 13 World Championships with the likes of Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Emerson Fittipaldi, Mario Andretti and Ayrton Senna, has graced a Grand Prix grid.

Unable to be in Melbourne himself due to having to attend the Group Lotus v Team Lotus trial, David Hunt, custodian of Team Lotus for 16 years before handing over to the Tony Fernandes-led squad which returns the marque to the grid this weekend, has sent a message to wish the team well.

"This is an emotional weekend for me. The journey has been long and hard and, as many know, it’s not yet quite over, which is why I’ve been unable to travel to Melbourne to witness the event to which I’ve been dedicated since 1995 when I promised the loyal Team Lotus staff and fans that we would bring it back to Formula 1.

"I therefore wish to thank the many Team Lotus fans around the world who have kept faith and encouraged me over the years, and to wish the new Team Lotus staff both in Melbourne and back in the UK, who are now charged with creating a new chapter of success in the marque’s history, the very best of success for this weekend.

"Sitting in a London courtroom all week listening to unpleasant legal wranglings has, however, reminded all present of the towering impact on both the racing and road car industries made by Colin Chapman. His presence dominates the room. Whatever the legal issues over his legacy 30 years after his death, racing was his love, Team Lotus the ’jewel in the crown’ of his business empire, and Formula 1 the arena in which all of his extraordinary qualities and talents were most passionately unleashed and expressed.

"Living up to ’Chunky’s’ unique legacy is a big task, but I know the boys and girls of this new Team Lotus relish the challenge and I wish them well in keeping the Chapman racing spirit alive and adding to the marque’s glittering history."