Tun Dr. Mahathir, ex-Prime Minister of Malaysia, today conducted the official opening of the Lotus Racing factory in Hingham, Norfolk.
Malaysia’s longest serving Prime Minister, and one of Asia’s most influential political figures, was joined by Lotus Racing team principal Tony Fernandes, deputy team principals Kamarudin Meranun and SM Nasarudin and chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne for the official ceremony to declare the factory open.
During his tour Tun Dr. Mahathir was given a detailed explanation of the different aspects of a modern Formula One team factory.
He was then seated in the Lotus Cosworth T127 Chassis 02 while the engine was fired up, giving the team’s esteemed guest a very rare insight into the conditions the drivers work in at races and tests.
“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," the team stated. "He is the Father of motor racing in Malaysia, the visionary behind the birth of the Sepang International Circuit and the Malaysian Grand Prix and 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.”