Lotus adapts livery to remember Spanish train disaster
The Lotus F1 Team have announced they will run a Galician flag on their cars throughout the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend as a mark of respect for the victims at the recent high speed train crash in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Owner of the team, Gerard Lopez, who himself is from the area, has also offered his condolences to all those involved.
“Following the tragic accident on Wednesday 24th July 2013 involving the passenger train in Galicia, I and all within Lotus F1 Team would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those affected and involved," Lopez said in a statement.
“As a Galician, I will provide all the help and support possible to those affected by this disaster, which has taken place in an area of the country I know and love so well. As an expression of support, I would like to reach out to those involved and show my unity to the region.
“Furthermore, as a mark of respect and display of moral support, Lotus F1 Team will drive with the Galician flag on the rear wing end plates of both E21 Formula 1 cars throughout the weekend of the Hungarian Grand Prix.”
Ferrari has also payed their tribue to the victims with a large banner noting “Todo nuesto apoyo a las victimas de Santiago” (all our support for the victims in Santiago.). Fernando Alonso will be wearing a black armband throughout the weekend and was clearly moved by the events in Spain.
“A sad day, because you go to bed thinking of your problems last night and the little things that went wrong in your day and you want to improve something and you quickly realise how unimportant those things are,” said the Spaniard. “This news reminds you what is really important in life and there is a feeling of frustration that you can’t do anything, you cannot put the clocks back. Your thoughts are with the families of those involved with the people in that train. Of course, we will try and have the best race possible, knowing that it cannot make these people happy, but we can try and dedicate our maximum effort to them.”
At least 77 people have been killed in the train crash and more than 143 injured as a passenger train derailed in northern Spain. All 13 train carriages carrying 218 passengers plus crew left the tracks and four carriages overturned completely.
