Lotus boss Fernandes gives team A grade

Lotus might have zero points after 14 races on their return to Formula One, but their Malaysian boss Tony Fernandes says it’s been a fantastic season so far.

The team’s T127 car made its debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sakhir on March 12 with the gold and green colours returning to the sport for the first time in 16 years.

With their 15th race looming in Singapore on Sunday, Fernandes said it had all gone to plan despite the lack of points.

“At this stage, I’d give us an A grade and I’d say it’s been a fantastic season for the team in its first year,” the ebullient founder of Malaysia-based budget carrier AirAsia told www.formula1.com.

“There have obviously been highs and lows, but just being on the grid in Bahrain was an incredible achievement and now, 14 races in, it still feels like the dream is coming true.

“I’m obviously looking forward to the remaining races this season, and the battle with our nearest rivals is great for the fans and for all the teams involved, but for all of us next year is going to be very exciting.”

For Fernandes, juggling his role as Lotus team principal with running AirAsia, as well as his other business interests, has proved to be tough, but hugely enjoyable.

Asked if he may step down from Lotus to put more focus on AirAsia, he said: “Initially, I wanted the AirAsia shareholders to feel confident that I was devoting enough time to the business, but after another record year I think they’ve realised I can do both.

“I have a fantastic CEO in Riad (Asmat) and an amazing chief technical officer in Mike (Gascoyne).

“With video-conferencing, Blackberry (devices), email and every other form of communication at our disposal, I think I’ll be team principal for a few more years.”

D’Ambrosio test

Virgin Racing will have GP2’s Jerome D’Ambrosio behind the wheel for its first free practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix tomorrow to assess the Belgian’s capability.

D’Ambrosio will perform a similar role at the Japanese, Korean and Brazilian races, the team said.

The 25-year-old is expected to run for the 90-minute opening session alongside Timo Glock, before handing back to Lucas di Grassi for the remainder of the weekend.

Meanwhile, BMW Sauber have signed Mexico’s Esteban Gutierrez as their test and reserve driver for the 2011 season.

The 19-year-old recently won the 2010 GP3 championship, clinching five of the 16 races.