F1: Lotus to terminate Cosworth relationship?

Tony Fernandez has not been to the Lotus factory for a little while. He made a point of documenting his recent trip using a social media site. And he kept up a running commentary of his pit-wall experience in Monza this weekend.

Lotus are fastest amongst the new arrivals. There is no doubt about that. But - almost in traditional Lotus fashion, they have also proved the most fragile. A host of small problems, mainly centred around the gearbox, have led to several non-finishes and in one case a non-start.

Whilst running strongly in Monza, although far behind the leaders on the super-fast track, Jarno Trulli's gearbox gave out, first losing second gear then giving up completely in a plume of smoke.

Over a period of 17 minutes, Fernandez frustrations boiled over.

"- Jarno lost second gear- jarno has some gear issues. boy i hate this gearbox- its such a shame on gearbox and back of engine. cosworth is a good engine

- jarno retired gearbox. oh well . making decsions easier"

And while Tony Fernandez was saying nothing further, Cosworth (which powers the Lotus branded car in the USA's IndyCar championship with former F1-er Sato at the wheel) issued its own statement determining the relationship.

"Cosworth has reached an agreement in principle with Lotus Racing whereby the team's Cosworth engine supply agreement will come to a conclusion at the end of the current Formula 1 season.

"This agreement is subject to contract and until the agreement is signed, neither party will be making any further comment."

So, if Lotus-Cosworth is to be no more in F1 (at least for now) where will Lotus get its power plant for 2011?

Rumours abound that that other famous link - Lotus-Renault - is to be revived. Certainly the Renault engine and drive train has proved its worth in the Red Bull this year and it's not done too badly in the Renault branded cars either.

But whatever happens, an announcement from Lotus Racing on Sunday evening signalled the end of another era - albeit a short and, for fans, frustrating one.

No one has ever got to grips with the name "Lotus Racing" - it just sounds wrong. And that badge is rubbish, too.

As from the start of the 2011 season, the team will be rechristened: another milestone in the emotionally-charged return of the Great British legend (even if it is Malaysian owned) will be the return to the grid of the name Team Lotus." At least, that's what the BBC "has learned." The team have not made an official announcement. But the BBC reports that Fernandez told them "The future of Lotus Racing and Team Lotus is very secure and it is now in our hands."

And what about the badge? It's looking like the real Team Lotus badge is part of the package.

Well done Tony Fernandez.

Job done.