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Fauzy set for Lotus reserve driver seat

Sunday 8th November 2009

Mike Gascoyne has all but confirmed that f will be Lotus F1's reserve driver next season.

The 27-year-old Fauzy is a former Spyker reserve driver, but is currently driving in the World Series by Renault for Fortec Motorsport.

F1 newcomers Lotus are yet to name their two drivers for 2010, but the team's technical director Gascoyne has revealed that Malaysian Fauzy will be part of their set-up next year.

"Fairuz will be in the team probably as a reserve driver or a test driver. He has the talent but we don't want him to 'crash and burn' in the race because of his inexperience," Gascoyne told The Star.

"Take (Fernando) Alonso for example. He was signed as a test driver and didn't get a race seat until after three years with Renault and he went on to win trophies.

"This is exactly what we want with Fairuz, for him to have enough experience because racing in the Formula One is at a much higher level than he used to."

Your Comments

jimboy70

"not bout money and nationality..it's whether you're qualified or not and of course with flying cv....it could be any citizen.."

Brent

"I can understand the Malasyian driver, it's no different then Williams being stuck with Nakajima because of Japanese engines. It's like having a decal that say's Malasyian money on the car."

chickv

"'crash and burn'!!??? This is Omen! How can Gascoyne mention that? If he is that worry, then he should axe him immediately. You cannot have someone in your stable who you worry day & night not to the reason of whether he win or not but whether he'll 'crash and burn'!???"

superbvp72

"There is, of course, no connection whatsoever between his nationality and the team's financial backers ... What Gascoyne is basically saying is, "OK, so they're giving us the money in exchange for taking Fauzy but for Pete's sake, let's keep him out of the car as much as possible !""

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