16 years is a long time to be away from Formula One, particularly when you’re one of the most iconic British teams in the sports history. Lotus hasn’t raced in F1 since 1994 but happily in 2010 they’re back, albeit with a new Malaysian owner in the shape of Tony Fernandes.

In truth the current Lotus F1 team isn’t actually the same as the legendary ‘Team Lotus’ force which scooped six drivers’ titles and won 79 races between 1954 and 1994. The only claim to the new car being British is its rather fetching paint job and the fact it was nailed together in Norfolk.

The team which Colin Chapman created in 1954 with his own engineering genius is sadly a thing of the past, but the new Lotus setup have the motivation and the skill to win races in 2010, it seems that the spirit of Chapman lives on, with added Malaysian passion.

The new car which was designed by Mike Gascoyne and tested over the winter in Spain has been competitive, particularly in the hands of seasoned pro Jarno Trulli and comparative youngster Heikki Kovalainen. The car has also proved to be reliable during pre-season testing, something which might prove valuable during the new 19 race campaign.

However the real test will arrive this weekend at the Sakhir circuit, Bahrain when the new 2010 season begins. Lotus will need to prove that the new T127 platform is capable of good results and the demanding season opener should provide an answer.

If the pre-season warm up is anything to go by then Lotus will be on course for some good results, but when was F1 ever predictable?

Comparatively alongside the other new teams Virgin and Hispania racing, Lotus appear to be on the right track particularly with the new chassis and incorporated Cosworth V8 powerplant which is being used by all the new teams.

In 2010 the problem for Lotus will be living up to their previous legendary status, will there be too much pressure to fulfil race wins? Hopefully not.

The new squad is just that, a brand new team and there is a certain sense of optimism that a new chapter beckons for the Lotus name. Against the likes of Virgin and Hispania, Lotus appears to be composed and motivated for the new season, particularly with their driver line-up.

The merry go round of racing drivers during pre-season has meant that Fernandes has been fortunate to keep hold of Trulli and Kovalainen for the new campaign. Their experience in the Championship will prove vital, particularly with Trulli who is one of the most experienced drivers in the series.

The positives don’t stop there, as a technical director and race engineer, Mike Gascoyne is a proven expert in motorsport and a vital part of the Lotus team setup.

Despite having one of the smallest squads on the grid Lotus are a dedicated team with plenty of optimism for the new season. The team might have been absent from the pitlane for over 16 years, but in 2010 Lotus are back in F1 and it might just be their best season in years.

Join me and Victoria on Formula1FanCast.com’s Fantasy League Formula 1 2010. Our league is called Formula1Fancast.com and the league pin is 722. Try and beat us if you can, but be warned we’re good!

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