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Fernandes targets point in 2012

ESPNF1 Staff
January 26, 2012 « Webber enjoys return to work | Raikkonen expects midfield battle »
Tony Fernandes is hoping that the addition of Red Bull KERS will help Caterham race in the midfield © Sutton Images
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Tony Fernandes has set Caterham the target of scoring a point in 2012 after unveiling its new car the CT01.

Having been the best of the new teams in 2010 Caterham (then Team Lotus) closed the gap to the midfield last season but was still regularly dropping out in the first part of qualifying and failed to finish a race in the top ten. Fernandes said that the addition of KERS coupled with an expanding team means that scoring at least one point had to be the next aim.

"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," Fernandes told the Caterham website. "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!"

With the 'stepped' nose of the new car gaining a lot of attention, Fernandes said looks don't bother him as long as the car is an improvement on last year's T128.

"Personally 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. 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."

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