Lotus boss Fernandes in tears at season end

SAO PAULO, Nov 27, 2011 (AFP) - Team owner Tony Fernandes admitted he was almost reduced to tears on Sunday when he saw his Lotus team seal 10th place in the Formula One constructors championship.

The team that will become Caterham next season repeated the feat they achieved a year ago and clinched winnings of a reported 30 million dollars.

Fernandes said: "Yes, it was almost tears for me. I am absolutely overjoyed. Two years of hard work have paid off and it was great to see both cars home safely, helping us win 10th place.

"The icing on the cake was beating a Renault -- that meant a lot to me as I have always said the good guys do win," added Chapman, after Sunday's season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, in a reference to his bitter rivals who also carry the Lotus tag.

"We have a fantastic little team here and I know how much it means to each and every person associated with us to have finished this season where we wanted to.

"Now we look forward to our new life as Caterham F1 Team and we say goodbye to Team Lotus."

The Malaysian entrepreneur summed up with a message for Team Lotus founder Colin Chapman.

He said: "Colin - we hope we did you proud and we hope you keep an eye over us as Caterham F1 Team. We know we will do you proud there as well."

In Sunday's race Heikki Kovalainen finished 16th in his Lotus, two places above teammate Jarno Trulli.