Feb.23 (GMM) Malaysia's former prime minister on Monday said he agreed to launch Lotus' Norfolk headquarters because he initially did not believe the team would get up and running in 2010.

The Malaysian backed team said in a press release that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also sat at the wheel of the new T127 car while the Cosworth engine was fired up.

Asked by reporters about his visit, he said: "I challenged them, 'you get the car ready and I will come and sit in it'.

"They actually got the car running. Well, I lost my bet but fortunately, no money is involved," Dr Mahathir laughed.

He is now an advisor to Lotus Cars' owner Proton, and credited as the 'father' of Malaysian motor racing and the Malaysian grand prix at Sepang.

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