Nielsen joins Lotus
Steve Nielsen has finally accepted an offer to join Team Lotus as their new sporting director after turning them down last year.
Nielsen will take up his new role from December 12, replacing Dieter Gass who was instrumental in helping the team return to Formula One at the start of last season.
Nielsen has considerable experience in F1 after previously working for Team Lotus in their original guise, before spells at Tyrrell, Benetton and Arrows.
He rejoined Benetton in 2000 as sporting manager, a role he has retained over the years through to their current incarnation as Renault.
Team principal Tony Fernandes said: “I first met Steve in Singapore in 2010 and I offered him a job then which he turned down, so I am delighted he has finally taken up the chance to join us.
“It is a good mark of our team we can attract people of Steve’s calibre.
“I am thrilled someone who is so well respected, and is coming from a team that is ahead of us in so many ways, shares our belief in our ability to grow and, in due course, challenge the midfield.”
