Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes, the founder of AirAsia, saw his bid to buy West Ham fail to come off last month. Fernandes is a regular visitor to the Lotus base at Hingham in Norfolk, which has fuelled speculation he could be set to take an interest in Norwich City, who were sponsored by Lotus' parent company Proton when in the Premier League five seasons ago, sporting their famous racing green and yellow logo on the away kit.

Current owners Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones are looking for fresh investment as the club battle debts of £23million.

"I am quite happy at the moment, and have got my hands full with Lotus," he said at Friday's launch of the new Lotus Racing T127 car in London.

"I think the Lotus guys are very happy West Ham did not happen, so now they have 100 per cent of my attention and money!" Fernandes added: "Everyone is speculating I am going to buy Norwich City.

"I have never been to Carrow Road, but they have the right colours.

"Never say no, but right now my focus is very much on Lotus Racing."

Fernandes believes if run properly, then sports clubs can be very profitable.

He said: "If you look at West Ham, it was a classic case of how not to do things.

"I believe in good old fashioned business principles of having a strong balance sheet, with a good cash flow.

"There are tremendous opportunities in sport."