After the first 20 minutes of qualifying the slowest seven drop out and in four of the first five races Lotus, Virgin and Hispania - have occupied six of those places so far this season.
It is approached by a causeway from which you can see its five towers - like lotus buds or in my view rather more like half-open fir cones - rising from its immense base.
Monday's hearing surrounded Group Lotus's decision to terminate a five-year licensing deal it had with Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes's 1Malaysia group to use the Lotus brand in F1.