Mahindra and Mahindra interested in Lotus and Proton partnerships

I read today that M&M are interested in partnering both Proton and Lotus in seperate deals.
The Telegraph (Calcutta) reports:
New Delhi, June 20: Mahindra & Mahindra is in talks with Malaysia’s Proton for two India-specific projects that can lead to the launch of the Lotus range of sports cars and a joint venture to make Proton’s small cars.
The sources said discussions on the two projects were being held simultaneously; M&M just now was keeping the negotiations separate for the small car and Lotus.
As an outsider I don't know how much truth there is in this.
I do know that India is building an F1 circuit. Ideal for my project. I don't expect Lotus management to promote the idea though.

I had an interesting day yesterday. One of my teachers Sifu Wong spent several hours talking about his life. He is an interesting man. His Son Fei Hoong is currently in KL after which he is flying to Japan to participate in a GT series.
Sifu Wong (Omega) is a martial arts Master. His lessons normally involve a little pain mixed with a lot of smiles. Sensai Yaacob also a martial arts teacher is an accomplished artist. I spent the early part of yesterday with him and his family. Very nice people.
I found a trailer for a film Sifu Wong (omega) was recently involved in: The Sanctuary. He appears at about 4min.44secs.
I hope all you fathers (including mine... who spent the day watching MotoGP) had a good day yesterday.

SepangF1 Centre of Excellence. Singapore way to go.

Today, The Star (Malaysia) reports that LotusF1 are progressing well with their centre of excellence in SepangF1.
Lotus facility in Sepang to include wind tunnel
KUALA LUMPUR: The Lotus Racing team are looking at developing a state-of-the-art technology, research and development centre based in Malaysia. The site will be at the Sepang International Circuit.

The facility will include a top class F1 wind tunnel, backed by a world class computational fluids dynamics (CFD) which incorporates vehicle dynamics and production facilities.

“We are already moving towards getting this project off the ground and we are hopeful that it could be completed by this year,” said Tony.(Fernandes).

I thought I would add my Bernama interview.


This weekend I met a 'Sensei' who's son is training to be a racing driver. He has contacts in Singapore motorsport. He has taken my contact info. Hopefully that will lead somewhere.
The Sensai has trained with Mohamed Ali, Joe Frazier,Larry Holmes, and Sugar Ray Leonard among others.

He is very good even at 75 years of age! The resident dojo sensai video'd him teaching. If it makes youtube, I'll embed it on the blog.
In the meantime this a Star newspaper video. It shows the sensai, Winston, and his son Fei Hoong (Future World Champion).


Anyway, good luck to Tony Fernandes, and his team. I am sure that Group Lotus are very comfortable in Bukit Jalil...

Private investors and Singapore may be the way to go.