Lotus Racing's factory opened in Norfolk

Former Malaysia prime minister Tun Dr. Mahathir has officially opened the Lotus Racing factory in Norfolk.

The team's base in Hingham has been operational for some time in developing the car that marks Lotus' return to Formula One this season after a 16-year absence.

But it was not until Monday the stamp of approval was given to the facilities, with Malaysia-funded Lotus just three weeks away from their second debut in the sport with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14.

Team principal Tony Fernandes said: "It is very exciting for us and the team that Tun Dr. Mahathir has been able to come to Norfolk to officially open our factory.

"He is the father of motor racing in Malaysia, the visionary behind the birth of the Sepang International Circuit and the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"He has given us all the inspiration to reach for the skies and achieve our dreams.

"As such it is a tremendous honour for us to welcome him here and we are extremely proud he has opened our factory today."

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