By Andrew Cutler
September 29 2010

In the mid 1960s Lotus Motorsport was involved in a high profile effort to win the Indy 500, which culminated in the late Jim Clark's 1965 victory and ushered in the age of the rear-engine race car here in the States. After a long absence, Lotus re-entered IndyCar this season in an effort to promote 'brand awareness' as it awaited the final incarnation of the 2012 spec changes.

While the final version of the 2012 specs are still being hashed out re: engine packages (specifically; how to to give a relatively level playing field to both V6s and in-line 4s), Lotus yesterday announced that they are going to design and produce 2012 spec 'aero kit' packages - front and rear wings, sidepods and engine covers - to fit over the Dallara-built base chassis. This makes them - as far as I have seen - the first company other than Dallara (who I assume will offer their own aero kits) and Honda to commit to the 2012 spec package. 

"It is a natural evolution of our involvement in the IndyCar Series"; Lotus said in their statement.

For their 'reintroduction' to IndyCar, Lotus has been the primary sponsor for the KV Racing Technology car of rookie Takuma Sato. Lotus' statement confirmed that they will expand their involvement with KVRT in 2011, becomming the primary sponsor on a second vehicle in the three car squad.