Lotus set for motorsport return
Team Lotus is back as Formula 1 celebrates its 75th anniversary
While Lotus embark on a new era full of electric cars, there is always time to revisit the past.
Lotus can be proud of its achievements in motorsport. As the fourth most successful constructor in F1 history, with seven constructors' titles and six drivers' titles, it has already cemented a legacy that is the envy of so many other brands.
So for all of you with a taste for nostalgia, you’ll be pleased to hear that Team Lotus is back and will return to motorsport and global competitions. Whether that includes another crack at F1 remains to be seen, and we know that the process of joining the grid is shrouded in bureaucracy. Team Lotus’ last F1 appearance came in 1994, while a revival of the Lotus name only lasted two years from 2010 to 2012.
With 75 years of racing heritage, the Norfolk-based brand says Team Lotus will be ‘bringing together factory-supported programmes, partner racing teams, Lotus Cup championships, driver development and race fans.’
Team Lotus will begin by partnering with a range of teams and customers, starting with the Emira GT4, which is set to challenge in multiple global events in 2025. Partners include Mahiki Racing for the British GT4, Pegasus Racing for the SRO GT Cup in Shanghai and PB Racing in the Italian Championship and Euro Series GT4.
“Motorsport has been in Lotus’ DNA from day one”
Gavan Kershaw, Director, Head of Motorsports at Lotus Cars, said: "Motorsport has been in Lotus’ DNA from day one, and we have hundreds of Lotus’ that compete every weekend in all forms of classic, national and international races. Team Lotus unites that passion across every level. Whether it's GT, endurance, or grassroots competition, we're committed to supporting teams and drivers who share our love for racing."
In conjunction with the announcement, Lotus revealed a unique yellow livery created for the Emira GT4 to mark the occasion.
READ: Lotus revamps Emira lineup
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Lotus