Lotus and Malaysian A1 team may merge

UPDATE This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. Mike Gascoyne has denied reports the new Lotus F1 team could merge with the Malaysian A1GP team.

The Malaysian Insider on Thursday cited a "source" as revealing that "deep discussions" between Lotus team officials Tony Fernandes and Gascoyne, and A1 team boss Jack Cunningham, took place recently at the Singapore grand prix.

But while confirming the meeting, Briton Gascoyne – the new Malaysian-owned team's technical director – denied the assumption the idea of a merger was discussed.

"I have met Jack Cunningham, but there have been no talks about his team playing a part in Lotus F1," he said.

10/15/09 (GMM) Malaysia's national A1GP team is reportedly in talks with the new Lotus F1 entry about collaborating in 2010.

The Malaysian Insider cites a "source" as revealing that "deep discussions" between Lotus team officials Tony Fernandes and Mike Gascoyne and A1 team boss Jack Cunningham took place recently at the Singapore grand prix.

"A1 Team Malaysia feels that the technological know-how and vast experience it has could be put to good use in helping out the Lotus F1 team," the source said.

The concept of a merger should not be ruled out, particularly in light of the A1 team's withdrawal from the forthcoming opening race of the season in Australia, and the apparent poor health of the so-called 'World Cup of Motorsport'.

The new Lotus F1 team, granted an official entry to debut in 2010, is a partnership of Malaysian state and private stakeholders, including the Proton carmaker, the Sepang circuit and the airline AirAsia.