Michael BaileyNorfolk-based Lotus gave its 2010 Formula One car a first taste of track action in a secret shakedown at Silverstone yesterday. Malaysian reserve driver Fairuz Fauzy took the car, decked in racing green and yellow trimmed livery, around the Northamptonshire circuit.Michael Bailey
Norfolk-based Lotus gave its 2010 Formula One car a first taste of track action in a secret shakedown at Silverstone yesterday. Malaysian reserve driver Fairuz Fauzy took the car, decked in racing green and yellow trimmed livery, around the Northamptonshire circuit.
The colours were a trademark of Lotus' early success and give a broad hint as to what should be expected at the Hingham-based team's official launch at London's Royal Horticultural Rooms on Friday afternoon.
The shakedown of the car - effectively testing everything in the car works properly - was an emotional occasion for the Norfolk team, who have built a Formula One car from scratch in little more than six months.
And team principal Tony Fernandes admitted yesterday was an emotional moment.
'Shakedown started. Quite a few tears,' said the Malaysian businessman on his official Twitter site.
Lotus are expected to join the majority of the Formula One field at the close season's third official four-day test session, in Jerez, Spain next week.
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