Caterham owner and team principal Tony Fernandes has described his outfit’s latest creation as ‘beautiful, but different’.
The former Lotus outfit revealed its 2012 car on Wednesday to much criticism for the way it looks, with much of the discussion centreing on the ‘platypus’ nose.
Fernandes sees it differently: “I love this car, and it’s very flattering that people want to talk about our car and our team, but the main consideration is that it is quick,” he said. “As long as it is quicker than last year’s car I don’t think the looks matter, and I am sure that when all the other cars are unveiled we will see a pretty common thread running through all of them.
“I actually think it’s beautiful. It’s different, and different does not equal ugly – in fact I think its difference is what makes it beautiful, but then I am probably a bit biased.”
The Malaysian businessman says the outfit’s main aim for 2012 is to finally score a point or two, as they enter their third season in F1.
“I know we are not going to be the fastest team out there,” he admitted. “I am an optimist but also a realist. What gives me confidence is knowing that whatever happens we will keep working harder than ever to make our dreams come true.
“The first test is just around the corner now and I feel a strange mix of nervousness and excitement – I always do at this time of year. But now we are in complete control of our own destiny it’s a feeling I am relishing more than ever.
“Target wise, I have been quoted as saying I want us to score a point this year and that really has to be the aim. It has to be. Towards the end of last year we were so close to the midfield cars, but our lack of KERS limited our capabilities. 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!”
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