The Lotus could have won. Thankfully, he didn't have the balls to pass in the corners. His shifting wasn't that bad, but throttle application was a bit rough, meaning if he were smoother, he could leave the turns much faster.
He obviously has no business driving a Lotus, either way.
A lotus gets much of it's handling and high speed cornering from light weight and massive downforce. If you really have to slow down, the downforce doesn't really count all that much. Still, it will severely outcorner a BMW.
Also, they may not be blazing fast, but they are more than a match for that BMW.
Now, that's not to say there is anything wrong with a Bimmer. They are built very well, and are some of the best driving sedans out there. I would never say anything bad about them besides the new styling. Oh, yeah, and i drive.
You have to remember a lotus is much lighter, and has a much better centre of gravity. Not everyone cares to own a Lotus, and not everyone fits in one, either.
Now, he who is in posession of a Caterham R400 Superlight will beat them both.
Cheers,
Kennith