Boullier: 3rd place seems within reach of Lotus F1

Lotus F1 Team is going through a very complicated end of the season despite good results. His poor financial situation fueled debate in the paddock of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The threats from Kimi Räikkönen, impatient to receive his salary, highlighted the delay in discussions between the teamenstone and the Quantum Motorsports investment fund. The expected announcement this week did not take place, proof that the situation is more complicated than it seems (see our investigation in issue 1934 of AUTOhebdo). “It's no secret there's a lot going on at Enstone at the moment. But we are very busy putting everything in place to ensure the future of the team?, assures Eric Boullier. “It's not a casual job and it's certainly not moving at the speed most of us would like, but we keep pushing. Aside from what's going on behind the curtain, the positive thing is that our car is still going strong on track and we'll be looking to make the most of that in the final races of 2013."

As the Lotus F1 Team Team Principal points out, the team's situation is all the more unusual as the E21s are able to fight at the front and compete for podiums. The British team's sporting objective is to finish the season in third place in the Manufacturers' Championship, which would ensure better income as well as greater credibility with sponsors and investors. However, the task will not be easy since Lotus is still 26 points behind the Team Ferrari with two events remaining at the end of the season. “We missed the podium in Abu Dhabi, but it is obvious that the car had the performance to achieve it. This is where we want to be because this is the place where you collect the most points. Of course, it would be fantastic if our drivers could return to the podium before the end of the season. If they could both ride it in Austin, I would be a very happy man.”, adds Eric Boullier. “There are two races and 86 points left to distribute. So, it is still possible arithmetically and we are not going to give up, in any way. Obviously, to score the most points, you have to get on the highest step of the podium and there is a double problem there. Red Bull more Sebastian Vettel to solve. For us, the best would be for Seb to anticipate his winter vacation! Considering the rankings and the points scored by each team in the last races, third place could seem a little more within our reach. But our approach remains the same: continue to fight until the end. »