Nick Chester: A positive development

Yesterday, Lotus news was relatively hectic between the resignation of number 2 Patrick Louis and the announcement of the absence of the future E22 for the first pre-season tests in Jérez. Despite all the development of the future car de Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado continues. Nick Chester, Technical Director took stock.

For the latter, “the figures are promising and the development has been positive. That said, we move forward with very little idea of ​​the other teams' work. This is the first year with a radical change in regulations, meaning all teams are developing their cars on potentially different paths. It’s fascinating for us engineers. We think we have a very good solution for 2014. » explains Chester.

The performance of the 2013 single-seater, the E21, provided ideas for the engineering team responsible for developing the 2014 car. “There are certain concepts from the E21 that are still valid for the E22. » adds the Technical Director. “We have made very good progress with the various homologation tests which took place before Christmas, including the side impact and rear impact tests. Which means we just have the frontal test to complete for the approval of the car. We have decided that participation in the Jérez tests is not ideal for our development program. We are likely to reveal the car before participating in the Bahrain testing. In Sakhir we should be able to put the car through its paces in representative conditions. »

The first winter tests will begin on the Spanish track of Jérez on January 28 and will last until the 31st.