American rising star Alexander Rossi will be driving the Lotus T128 on the streets of Putrajaya this weekend. It will be the young Californian’s second chance to test a Formula 1 car, having tested a BMW Sauber F1.09 back in 2009, as part of his prize for winning the previous year’s Formula BMW World Final. Rossi was signed to be the reserve and test driver for the USF1 team in 2010, although the project failed to get off the ground.
The Lotus run is little more than a demonstration, but it is still good news for Rossi, who is competing this year in the Renault World Series. It is going to be a highly competitive year in the series with Rossi up against some serious opposition in Robert Wickens, Brendan Hartley, Jean-Eric Vergne and Arthur Pic, in addition to the developing Spanish star Albert Costa, who is the son of a successful bike racer and brother of another and a family friend of Jaime Alguersuari.
Rossi is hoping to see off this high-quality group and make the jump from there to Formula 1 next year, in time for the inaugural United States Grand Prix in Austin in 2012. Although still only 19, Rossi has extensive experience racing in Europe and Asia in recent years and is one of the young drivers who has been chosen to be part of the FIA Institute Academy this year. The Academy holds a workshop this weekend in Chamonix, France.
joeblogsf1 
Which lotus?
Andrew Murdoch,
In Formula 1 there is only one Lotus. Team Lotus. Group Lotus is a sponsor of the Renault team.
this smells like a pr story. Has a young girl by the name of emma put this your way by any chance?
Renault 3.5 is looking very competitive indeed, all those listed are fantastic prospects. There’s Ricciardo on the grid too, shame Dean Stoneman won’t be around.
Rossi has built up a nice resume, indeed. As an American, I’d love to root for someone from my country. I just hope he gets a fair shake in F1, and more importantly, a real chance to develop. American drivers in F1, not only are super rare, but they’ve not been given very good treatment (Michael Andretti and Scott Speed.)
**Note to VW…..buy Williams, put Rossi and Hulkenberg in the seats….build a VW/Audi/Porsche (whatever way you want to go) 4cyl turbo F1 engine….cross market the F1 effort into your automobile business….profit.
There is indeed only one true Lotus. However there are two Rossis! Valentino was rumoured to be switching to cars for several years, with Ferrari as the likely provider. (they use to share the same major sponsors)
Too many drivers, not enough cars, not enough money. Good luck to ’em all.
Great news – maybe he’ll be around for Austin.
I confess to the same confusion when I first read this. My thought was “which Lotus?”. I am sure that my reaction is proving a point made by someone’s barrister.
You didn’t mention Ricciardo as opposition for World Series by Renault. Deliberate choice because you think he will end 2011 as F1 race driver?
That is fantastic news Joe! Thankyou, I had not heard of this story from any other sources.
Great news! This kid is from about 20 miles away from my home town! It would be good to see an American behind the wheel of an F1 car again.
Well said, Joe baby
Think this is a great coup for the Real Team Lotus and a nice kick in the teeth for those at Lotus Cars.
Seems quite funny that the Malaysian government want Team Lotus to do an F1 demo when they own Lotus Cars.
Odd but very amusing. Wonder how many swearwords Danny Bahar uttered when he read this.
One of the most talented young racers I have ever seen. I really hope he gets an F1 drive and a decent one at that.
Good for Rossi.
Wish someone would slip Wickens some backing though. Maybe Jim Balsillie? $180M spread out over a ten-year career with “BlackBerry” written on a competitive car racing in rich developing markets does a lot more for your business than trying to buy the Nashville Predators does…
Ash,
Wickens just had the misfortune to be born a Canadian.