They say everything is in place and the car is ahead of schedule. They've even got everything from development programmes to media junkets to the factory in Norfolk lined up.
But if you're a fan, none of that apart from the car would really be of interest to you. Seriously, don't you think?
The fansites and Facebook page on Lotus F1 bare testament to the fact that the drivers, apart from the car, are on everybody's mind. Well, on the surface without all the technical BS, a team is only as good as its drivers. That's how the majority of the global audience would see it. So, who will they be?
He's Malaysian. And of the whole lot, Fairuz Fauzy is the only one thus far with more than a foot in the team. Only question is, whether he's a test driver or race driver.
Jarno Trulli (left) and Timo Glock. Trulli is the most mentioned and the 35-year old Italian is a close friend of technical director Mike Gascoyne, who has confirmed that he's had detailed discussions with the out-of-job Toyota duo. Both have been freed following Toyota's withdrawal from F1. But with equally interested Renault denying rumours of withdrawal from F1, that for 27-year old German Glock, might seem a far better option.
Toyota's third driver Kamui Kobayashi's shortlived stardom after stunning performances in Brazil and Abu Dhabi could find a second lease of life with Lotus. The 23-year old Japanese is a graduate of Toyota's driver development programme and the world's biggest car manufacturer has stated that they vow to help him and fellow F1 reject Kazuki Nakajima (Williams) find a seat for 2010. Kobayashi himself admits eyeing Lotus as his main target HERE.
The star of A1GP Neel Jani has openly admitted to having discussions with Lotus over a possible seat next season, but Gascoyne denies that he's had discussions with the 26-year old personally. Jani says his discussions were with another top person and Gascoyne did admit that the Red Bull driver development programme trainee is the type of driver they will be looking at.
Karun Chandok is a familiar face in Malaysia, having raced here with Meritus. He's also a familiar voice on Star Sports as commentator. The Indian was named by Alex Yoong, alongside Trulli, as his predicted Lotus driver for 2010. Several little birds told me that Karun himself is pretty much angling for a drive with Lotus. Why not?
Gascoyne has mentioned the need for experienced drivers at the helm in the team's first year. And among those available that fit the bill is Anthony Davidson. His career came to a halt with the demise of Super Aguri last year, and he's been mentioned by a few on the ground, more because he's British and would be good for attracting some sponsorship funds from F1's big boss country. Experienced yes, but one remark I'd have to note about his F1 career is the lack of points.
Well, word has it that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, as he did with the announcement of Lotus F1 getting a slot as the 13th team on next year's grid, will be given the honour of announcing the driver line-up at the end of the month as well.
My choice? OF course Fairuz. Glock to lead and if he's snapped up by Renault, only then Trulli. But Jani and Kobayashi would be good too.
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