The Lotus E23 Hybrid finally hits the track

Without counting Force India, who had announced before the start of these winter tests his absence at Jerez, only the stable Lotus was missing yesterday on the Andalusian route. Transported during the day on Sunday to Spain, the E23 Hybrid, who is embarking this season the famous turbo/hybrid V6 Mercedes, finally took to the track, entrusted for the occasion to the Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado. Despite a transmission problem in the afternoon, the men ofenstone admit to being satisfied with this first outing.

“Seeing the E23 hybrid on track for the first time is a great reward, says Nick Chester, Lotus Technical Director. We only thought we would be able to do a few laps today, but thanks to some fantastic work last night we were able to get the car out on track this morning. Feedback from Pastor has been positive despite the very early stage of our testing program for the car. We had a transmission problem this afternoon, but we didn't lose too much time on track as it started to rain shortly after. »

Maldonado, who covered 41 towers this Monday, also admitted to being “excited to feel the potential of the car”. The Venezuelan will be back on track tomorrow in Spain, Romain Grosjean logically having to conclude this first winter session on Wednesday.

Photos from the Jerez tests can be viewed here.