Malaysia's Lotus Racing Team driver Fairuz Fauzy has been tasked with testing the Lotus T127 in three free practice sessions in the

Bahrain Grand Prix.

"He will be testing...he will be the first guy to test the Lotus T127 in Bahrain. He will be taking the car in the free practice. He has done an absolutely superb job," team principal Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes told a press conference at KL International Airport (KLIA) before departing for Bahrain today.

NONE He said, besides Bahrain, Fairuz ( second from left ) would also be given a similar task at the 2010 Formula One (F1) World Championship in Australia and Sepang.

Singing Fairuz's praises, Fernandes expressed satisfaction with his

performance throughout the official testing, prior to the opening of World F1 Grand Prix season.

"I know Fairuz for a long time but we (only) got to become much closer within the last six months.

Fernandez dreams of podium finish

"He is a fantastic role model and he is actually a role model for me, too. He is calm...he is so determined and I think he would be a fantastic role model for all Malaysians.

air asia pc labu low cost carrier terminal lcct 080109 fernandes explains "He is very professional and very positive. I hope we will be able to make his dream come true soon," said Fernandes.

Lotus Racing is one of the three new entries for the 19-leg championship this year, alongside Virgin Racing and the Hispania F1 Racing.

USF1 were supposed to be the fourth new team, but they had to defer their entry until next year after running into difficulties in raising funds.

"It will be a great day for Malaysia and a very exciting one. To be up there alongside Ferrari, McLaren, Renault and Red Bull team. It will be fantastic.

"To be able to have our Malaysian flag on our car and hopefully, one day Negaraku will be played... the dream is slowly becoming a reality," added Fernandes.

'Great' drivers - Trulli, Kovalainen

He said it had been six months for Lotus Racing since the team gained entry into the 2010 F1 World Championship, and was hopeful the team drivers would produce some good results.

"Having two great drivers (Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen)...is a true testament to the team itself. It shows that they believe in our ability to grow and compete with the front runners.

"They (Trulli and Kovalainen) both sent me e-mail yesterday, and they noted that they are very excited and very confident of getting the best out of the car, although we are quite far away from the front runners at the moment," said Fernandes.

Bahrain is hosting the season opening of 2010 F1 World Championship from today, with the free practice sessions at the Shakir Circuit before the race moves to Australia on March 28.

Sepang Circuit will host the third round of the 19-leg F1 race on April 4.