Lotus F1 demonstrations provide festival highlight

20/08/2012 - A weekend full of Lotus-themed action has concluded on Sunday with a stunning display of World Championship-winning Formula 1 cars. A returning Lotus Grand Prix driver, the ultimate trackday car and a historic parade also complemented a busy day of racing.

The 1968 title-winning Type 49B and the Type 79 that won Lotus their last championship ten years later lapped the circuit during two sessions, with 1990 Team Lotus driver Martin Donnelly taking to the wheel of the latter. The Ulsterman then switched to the Type 102 that he raced 22 years ago, whilst Clive Chapman enjoyed track time with the Gold Leaf-liveried 49.

Meanwhile Steve Griffiths entertained a busy crowd with flat-out laps in the 1989 Type 101, with Lotus Racing's Gavan Kershaw also on track demonstrating the T125 F1-style trackday car. Kershaw also took part in the headlining Lotus Cup UK race in an Evora but was troubled with gearbox issues, whilst Donnelly raced another of the V6-powered cars, winning his class: "It's great to continue my record of success at Brands Hatch," he quipped. However the race was won by the Exige of Adrian Hall, his third of the season.

There was also a special 50th anniversary race for the classic Lotus Elan, won by Andy Wolfe.

The Elise Trophy races provided two wins for Rob Boston, whilst all around the circuit Lotus enthusiasts enjoyed stunning displays of sportscars and performance saloons including the coveted Cortina, Sunbeam and Carlton models. Lotus Cars showed the new Exige V6 Cup, expected to compete in Lotus Cup UK soon, whilst the 1992 Olympic Gold Medal-winning pursuit bike proved to be a topical hit with visitors. There was plenty of entertainment to be found on the circuit's rally stage and in the air with a breathtaking stunt plane display.