Lotus Engineering Malaysia closed. I'll stay on track.

I am out of the loop in Group Lotus. Today I heard that Lotus Engineering Malaysia was closed when DRB-Hicom took over. The expats were let go. The Malaysian employees were redeployed.

Some have been there for years and have love interests in Malaysia, others will be working abroad somewhere. A few will be taking a rest and counting their money!

Oh well, life goes on.

Me, I am looking forward to the day that my proposal gets accepted. The expats in Group Lotus were not proactive in helping me get it off the ground, so for me nothing has changed. Without wishing to sound rude, it might be better. No-one saying we can't because...

Here in the UK we are being warned of flooding with travel advisories.

I am expecting Jimmy and Mila tomorrow morning. Jimmy works in Proton Malaysia. I was hoping to take them on a little road trip. Lets see what happens!

Back to my project. None of the people I contact about it are with Group Lotus.

I normally contact Genii or DRB-Hicom/Proton people.

Genii were kind enough to get me in touch with Sir Jackie Stewart.

DRB-Hicom and Proton people tend not to answer their emails!

I have presented at ASLI Asian Strategic Leadership Conference (Automotive)

So everyone knows!

Dr Mahathir Proton and Petronas adviser with me at ASLI 2010

Me with the ex CEO of Proton and the Big boss at SepangF1 circuit.

I gave an overview of the Motorsport University concept. I also introduced and moderated several sessions. Many thanks to ASLI for the opportunity. Particularly Kenanga the conference organiser.

The previous year Alex Yoong was my guest at the conference. Among other things, Alex works for Caterham now. He is something of a celebrity in Malaysia.

So corporate Malaysia knows of my plans.

Ideally, Group Lotus and Lotus F1 would partner, along with Caterham and Petronas.

Getting educational partners will not be difficult. They want to be paid, so funding needs to be provided. I know that is obvious.

Next year, I am hoping for great things.

 

 

DRB-Hicom LotusF1 rumours

I read in Skiddmark that there is a rumour that DRB-Hicom are interested in buying LotusF1.
http://skiddmark.com/2012/10/genii-set-to-off-load-the-lotus-f1-team/

Taken from article:

Rumours emerged in the past few days that Gerard Lopez’s Genii Capital, owners of Lotus F1, may be in talks to sell the team.
It’s merely a rumour at the moment, but Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle confirmed it during a broadcast from the Indian GP this morning, suggesting that DRB-Hicom owned Proton might be in the running.

As I have set up my proposal around Lotus this of interest to me. I see synergies here between education and Motorsport.

If DRB-Hicom are thinking along the same lines as me... Good, very good!

 

I have just watched the SKY re-run of qualifying and during qualification 1 between 19 and 18 minutes Mark Brundle did talk about this strong rumour going around the paddock.

Things appear to be falling into place. Or maybe just wishful thinking on my part.

Thinking out aloud

In Malaysia Petronas are the year on year cash cow. They have been shareholders in Proton, are  in negotiations with Proton to use their E01e (Yamaha based) engine in their cars.
Petronas are sponsors of MercedesF1 and Yamaha MotoGP. They used to own Foggy Petronas.

Whether they want to be both owners and sponsors of an F1 team I don't know. They could afford it. They have a working relationship with Group Lotus through DRB-Hicom.

I just made this up... so its only conjecture! I'm not an insider.

Time will tell...

Lotus Genii-capital connection

I have just found a Genii-capital video.
One of the founders is on the Group Lotus board. They own the Lotus F1 racing team.
I recently annoyed them with my webpage!
http://motorsportuniversitymalaysia.com/

They appear to have all the tools to make MUM happen.



I hope these guys and girls can see what I see...