The Lotus team has announced a new agreement with news agency CNN International. The logo of the worldwide network will be seen on the Cosworth-powered Lotus cars as well as driver overalls and team clothing as the legendary team name returns to the sport this year.
The Lotus team has announced a new agreement with news agency CNN International. The logo of the worldwide network will be seen on the Cosworth-powered Lotus cars as well as driver overalls and team clothing as the legendary team name returns to the sport this year.
After confirming its first ever Formula 1 connection and in co-operation with Lotus F1 the Atlanta-based CNN is pleased to make several headlines this season. The sponsorship will be managed by CNN's commercial 'Partner Solutions Group', led by Rani Raad - Senior Vice President for CNN International's Advertising Sales.
Yet, many questions arise why American Enterprises like Youtube or CNN were unwilling to support the American-based USF1 team and have chosen to sponsor other F1 schemes. As a final outcome the All-American super-optimistic squad that announced as early as last January its intention to participate in the F1 championship was struggling to obtain funding to support its entry and an imminent closure or deferral for the 2011 F1 season is about to be announced by FIA. If such an announcement take place it would be the second American unsuccessful attempt to enter the pinnacle of motorsports after British American Racing "Tradition of Excellence" failure in early 00s.
"The combination of two such iconic and aspirational global brands fits perfectly with CNN International's worldwide reach and brand positioning. This unique partnership with Lotus Racing takes CNN International into a new era of marketing and promotions and puts us in front of a worldwide audience of millions." Raad commented.
Lotus Team Principal Tony Fernandes is also delighted with the agreement. "We are very proud to welcome CNN into the Lotus Racing family," said the Malaysian entrepreneur. "It is a sign of the positive impact we have already made in the global business market that such a prestigious brand, familiar to millions around the world as the definitive source of news and current affairs, ha2s made the decision to partner with us. The whole team and I are looking forward to working with CNN in the months and years to come on some very exciting campaigns."
Lotus branding returns to F1 in 2010 for the first time since 1994 under a Malaysian management. Moreover, in what could be a precursor to a 2012 chassis supply deal for the Indy Racing League Series, Lotus announced its intention to enter the 2010 Indy 500 under the ‘Team Lotus USA' banner.
Motorsport Director Claudio Berro quoted, "The Indycar dream is very real for us. We are talking to an existing team about forging an alliance. The American marketplace is very important for Lotus and there is a pedigree and history at the Indy 500. When people think of Lotus they think of competition and racing, it is important that we get back to putting that message across. The Indycar program is a big project and we need to join with an existing team to begin with, because that is the easiest way in terms of logistics. We only have a few weeks to sort the deal out because the start of the season is very close. The reunification of Champ Car and Indycar makes it much simpler for us and it is an area we are excited about. To run the Honda engine is not a problem in the first instance, even there we have history. The Indy 500 is iconic and it will only do the Lotus brand good to be there."
A further detailed announcement regarding Lotus Indy 500 plans is expected to be made soon.
