Lotus: the most enduring car in the field

B Formula 1 is now driven on seven different routes. Jerez, Barcelona and Mugello during test drives. Melbourne, Sepang, Shanghai and Sakhir in the running. One car always ended up in the top field: the Lotus E20. In Mugello, Romain Grosjean set the fastest time of the day with 1.21.603. Seven hours later, Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi equalized Grosjean's record. But with softer tires.

Mark Webber distributed compliments to Enstone: 'If you look at all the races and test drives, the Lotus is the most consistent car in the field.' Grosjean agrees with the Australian: 'Our car is good everywhere. It's a comforting feeling. We know that we can be up front, no matter which route we're on.' If the team hadn't made some mistakes in training and strategy, the points account would be even fuller. Lotus is currently third in the constructors' championship.

Lotus tests without updates

Lotus came to Mugello without any new parts. 'We wanted to find the best combination of what we have now,' said Grosjean. 'On a GP weekend you are limited in terms of time and tires. During a test you can change from one specification to the other, even if it costs you an hour and a half. And you can drive out twice in a row with fresh tires, to get real comparative values. 'So progress through better understanding.

Lotus has already had its major facelift. It came in two stages in China and Bahrain because it didn't work on the first try. Grosjean is doing it don't worry that the competition will overwhelm his team with a tech offensive in Barcelona. Second, there is no telling whether the upgrades all work the first time. We experienced it ourselves. '

Räikkönen waives test drives

Kimi Räikkönen's refusal was convenient for the Frenchman who lives in Geneva.' I need every kilometer. 'Raikkonen originally wanted the Mugello Driving a test to learn more about the Pirelli tires, but changed his mind at short notice because he has the feeling that he already understands the tires quite well. His second place in Bahrain proves him right.

The tires will also play a decisive role in Barcelona. Will we have to weigh up the question of giving away starting places for fresh tire sets at the European opener?overtake. It will be more difficult in Barcelona. That's why a good starting position is more important there. '