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Lotus eyes same driver lineup for 2011 – Gascoyne

Lotus will announce its 2011 driver lineup “pretty soon”, according to Mike Gascoyne.

Although there are rumblings the Malaysian-owned team could be considering its Kuala Lumpur born test driver Fairuz Fauzy for a race seat, the team’s technical boss said he is happy with Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli.

“I think the intention is to stick with the drivers we’ve got.  I think they’re doing a great job,” said Gascoyne.

When asked when official confirmation might come, he answered: “I think we’d like to do that pretty soon.”

There have been questions about Italian veteran Trulli’s form so far this year, but Gascoyne insists he has had appalling luck and reliability.

Asked whether Trulli, who turns 36 on Tuesday, has done enough to keep his drive, Gascoyne answered: “I think he has.

“I think Heikki has gotten better and better, his confidence is back and there’s a spring in his step and he’s pushing him (Trulli) very hard.”

Gascoyne said Trulli has had appalling luck and reliability.

“That’s the thing with experienced guys, if we give them the car, they can perform with it.

“Jarno has shown he can still pull the big laps out when he has a trouble-free weekend,” he added.

© RIF | GMM