The Renault powered Lotus F1 Team E21 was unveiled to the world from the team’s base in Enstone, which was also livestreamed on YouTube. Lotus says with the mostly unchanged regulations since 2012, the team continues with the last year’s design ideas but will push last year’s concepts. The driver lineup remains unchanged at Lotus F1 Team, with Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean behind the wheel.
Kimi Räikkönen who provided some fantastic entertainment last year starts his eleventh Formula 1 season. Kimi is wary of shooting his mouth off and says he’ll reserve opinion on what’s possible and what isn’t until the tests at Melbourne are completed.
“Of course, I’ve not driven the E21 yet so it’s difficult to say what could or could not be possible for the year ahead. We know we had a good car last season, but everyone is working hard to make the best package. I will be working with the team to help get the car as strong as we can, then in Melbourne we’ll have our first taste of results. It’s a long season from there. 2012 was a good start; let’s see what we can do in 2013.” he stated.
Romain Grosjean, received confirmation that the he’d be with Lotus just as he was celebrating his ‘Champion of Champions’ title at the Race of Champions. “I can clearly say I want to score a lot of points for the team – everybody knows that – but I think it would be wrong for me to say I want to finish in a particular position in the championship. I really want to jump out of the car as many times as possible thinking that I did a good job. Knowing that everything I could do, I did, and feeling proud of my race or session. I hope to feel that way as many times as possible this year.” he said.
“I think it is fair to say that great things are possible from the team and the E21. The leap we made from 2011 to 2012 showed what we are capable of. Add to this the continuity and potential of our driver line-up and we have a very powerful cocktail for the season ahead. Our ambitious plan to turn ourselves into one of the top teams in Formula 1 is coming to fruition and now we need to harness this with strong and regular podium results.” said Eric Boullier, Team Principal.
“The E20 proved itself to be an effective racing car – particularly towards the end of last season – so there is an element of expectation from the E21 and plenty to build upon. We have continued with our design themes and tried to create a more efficient and faster racing car based on all the lessons we learnt last year. How successful we have been in this task will only be discovered when we take to the track at the winter tests and – more significantly – at Grands Prix.” said James Allison, Technical Director.
