“This year, however, with the people and facilities we have in the factory and
the wind tunnel, and with KERS, I am confident that we will become a danger
to many of the midfield teams, and yes, I want us to achieve a point
somewhere in 2012 — maybe two if we are very lucky.”
There is still some speculation as to Caterham’s driving line-up this season
with Jarno Trulli’s place considered vulnerable. Russian driver Vitaly
Petrov, who brings plenty of sponsorship money with him, is understood to
have been in talks with the team.
Images of Caterham’s CT01, the first car to break cover this year, were leaked
online on Wednesday ahead of the scheduled launch, with fans describing its
unusual platypus-style nose as ugly.
However, Fernandes said this year’s regulations would mean most teams follow
suit and insisted he was not worried by aesthetics. “As long as it is
quicker than last year’s car I don’t think the looks matter,” he said.
McLaren launch their new car in Woking next Wednesday. The first of three
winter tests begins in Jerez on Feb 7, with the season beginning in
Australia on March 18.