Nick Chester: “A different car”

After a nightmarish 2014 season, Lotus expects a lot from the future E23. The one which will now be powered in 2015 by the turbo/hybrid V6 Mercedes will be quite different from its predecessor, which benefited from several daring technical choices (front muzzle?).

“The E23 project is of “lesser importance” than the E22 due to more stable regulations and even if we have a new Power Unit, the architectural modifications are much less complex than those induced by the transition from V8 to V6 turbo, explains Nick Chester. There are still some rule changes for 2015 such as the dimensions at the front of the chassis, which also affects the installation of suspensions and also a significant change to the nose regulations. » The United States Grand Prix was also the opportunity to see one of the new products which will be introduced in 2015 with a very different nose from that currently used by Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado. “The engine cover and rear wing will be different, with a more compact hull. The front wing will also be modified. The whole car will be very different and, being able to see it regularly in the wind tunnel, it looks quite nice. »

As for the implementation of the Mercedes engine, Nick Chester believes that the transition will be quite easy compared to the block Renault. " My feeling is that it won't be much more work. It's more about adapting to a new package and different requirements. In some ways it will be relatively painless, especially since Mercedes has clearly defined what is required for the installation of the power unit. It is a better defined program. The cooling systems and heat release must of course be taken into account. »

Lotus is betting a lot on its future car, which will be driven by Pastor Maldonado, who should in all likelihood be supported again by Romain Grosjean, even if the latter has not yet made his future official.