Lotus F1 team sign first driver

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Lotus aiming to be best of new teams

The new Lotus Formula 1 team have signed their first driver but are keeping his name under wraps, according to team principal Tony Fernandes.

The aviation entrepreneur made the announcement on Saturday but did not name his new recruit.

"Public announcement soon. The dream continues," he said.

Jarno Trulli has been linked with the Malaysian-backed team, whose technical director Mike Gasgoyne worked with the Italian at Toyota.

F1 veteran Trulli, 35, is currently out of contract, with Toyota pulling out of F1 after eight unsuccessful seasons.

Malaysian motorsport star Fairuz Fauzy has been linked with a reserve driver role with Lotus.

606: DEBATE How will Lotus perform next season?

The team are one of five new outfits due to make their debuts in 2010, with Toyota and BMW bowing out.

Between 1958 and 1994, Lotus won 79 races and list world champions Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Emerson Fittipaldi among their former drivers.

The reformed franchise has been funded by Malaysian companies Tune Group and Naza Group and will have a budget of £55m for next season.

Lotus are aiming for a roll out of the new car in mid-February to test it before the season opener in Bahrain in March.