It is hard to know for sure. I find it very, very hard to believe that some airchair critic has any idea what Alan Permane or James Allison is actually talking about. I'm sure Ross Brawn has much more of an idea. But not some kid who is digging around on the internet and trying to piece together the puzzle. I haven't payed close enough attention to the exhaust detail. So that part could very well be true. But the tyre issue that the critic used as his conclusion was explained quite well. The ambient temp/track temp during testing was well below the predicted temperatures during grand prix weekends. The best example I can relate this to is Kimi in Austin when he bolted on the prime tyre after his first pit stop. Even though the car inherently has the pace of the front runners, his pace was restricted by not being able to adequately get the tyres into the proper operating window. As a result of the tyre temperatures being too low: his pace suffered. It was the same for most teams in Barcelona. And this is exactly what Vettel is talking about. The temperatures were too cold to allow proper heating of the tyres into the operating window. But this is exactly what should occur. If the tyres were in the proper operating window at Barcelona temperatures, imagine where they would be for Australia, Bahrain, Singapore or Abu Dhabi.. " title="whew" />
We will have to wait and see, Olga. It's hard to know exactly what is going on. I compare the tyre issue to Kimi's statements about the 'unreliable' gearboxes in the cold weather of testing. They were unreliable in the cold of pre-season, but perfectly reliable in the proper temperatures during the actual season.
yes, they are on the car since the launch but there was never an announcement. this now is the press release. don't know why they did it that way.
who is thejudege13? imo there is some wrong argumentation in that article. I don't think that the mapping story has any influence on Lotus. Permane said that they tried it and that Kimi hated it, so they did all the running on the other mapping and why should they build a car for one map they don't even know if they can run? that's what I don't understand? although it's possible that RB wanted to run that map. most of the articles are just talking of RB and then just assume it affects Lotus too because they have same engine. Also Ferrari wanted to use a new map too and it was denied, does anyone say that will hurt them?
i trust Permane and Allison of course the way they just talked about the subject. i just like to read all opinions even if not so educated.... h" title="hih" />
i hope their limited testing has nothing to do with a major problem. and i do hope people saying they have a good car are correct!
yes, they are on the car since the launch but there was never an announcement. this now is the press release. don't know why they did it that way.
who is thejudege13? imo there is some wrong argumentation in that article. I don't think that the mapping story has any influence on Lotus. Permane said that they tried it and that Kimi hated it, so they did all the running on the other mapping and why should they build a car for one map they don't even know if they can run? that's what I don't understand? although it's possible that RB wanted to run that map. most of the articles are just talking of RB and then just assume it affects Lotus too because they have same engine. Also Ferrari wanted to use a new map too and it was denied, does anyone say that will hurt them?
I think if one team would build a 'car' with a map in mind: it's Red Bull. It's been well cited and even mentioned by Newey the downforce 'bonus' of exhaust blown diffusers. Hence the struggles of Red Bull in the beginning of 2012 as compared to their dominance in 2011. Once Newey clawed back downforce by other means in 2012, the Red Bull was significantly more competitive!
I think there is more than just engine mapping. To isolate only this example is not painting the entire picture. Red Bull run different gear ratios than Lotus. Their lower gears are geared higher. Abu Dhabi 2012 is a perfect example of the difference in gear ratios, when Sebastian reverted to lower gear ratios (and higher top speed).
I personally think the Renault-powered teams try to use 'exotic maps' because their engine lacks horsepower to Ferrari's and Mercedes-spec engines.
ZitatLOTUS F1 TEAM READY FOR ACTION As the Formula 1 show prepares to hit the road to Australia, we caught up with Race Team Manager Paul Seaby to hear how the race team have been preparing for the season ahead
PRE-SEASON TESTING IS THE FIRST REAL OUTING FOR THE RACE TEAM AS THEY PREPARE FOR THE YEAR AHEAD; HOW DID THINGS GO ING JEREZ AND BARCELONA? We had a few relatively simple but time consuming issues with the car during testing and the crew did a fantastic job in getting on top of things. Although operationally simple to fix, such gremlins can take a while to correct so everyone was working flat out to get the car back out on track. On top of that, we had the small matter of switching between three different driver setups in a single day at the second Barcelona test. With Kimi sidelined on the Saturday, we first had to settle Davide into the car and then – after just a couple of hours – swap things back to Romain’s preferences. This is far from the five minute job it used to be a few years back, with each car now tailored specifically to its respective driver. That we lost minimal track time making these adjustments is a credit to everyone involved.
CAN THE WINTER PROGRAMME FULLY PREPARE THE TEAM FOR THE CHALLENGE OF A RACE WEEKEND? To an extent yes, but there are two stages of the season which always cause a bit of a shock to the system; the first is of course the opening week in Melbourne, the second when we come to the first European round. For the flyaway races, we effectively gain an extra day at the circuit which helps ease the burden slightly, whereas in Europe we usually arrive on the Thursday morning before the race to finish assembling the cars ready for free practice.
Of course, when we’re back at the factory every mechanic has a hand in the first car build. Whether they’re regulars on the front or rear end of the car, they’ll all have a taste of what to expect before the car hits the track for the first time; even if they may not be carrying out a complete assembly on their usual area of the car as would be the case during a race weekend. The first few builds always take a little longer, but by the time we arrive at the first race everyone is right up to speed.
ASIDE FROM TESTING, WHAT HAVE THE TEAM BEEN DOING TO PREPARE FOR THE SEASON AHEAD? Earlier this week we were at Silverstone for a day of pit stop filming. Aside from giving our partners some useful content, this has the added benefit of giving us a good opportunity to get some real time practice in ahead of the new season. It also allowed us to try out our new kit – overalls from Alpinestars and helmets from Bell – which is another positive as the last thing you need at the first race is to turn up and find that these things aren’t quite to your liking. The crew were in action for pretty much the entire day without a single complaint which is very encouraging. It may seem like a basic consideration but comfort, freedom of movement and clear visibility are crucial in allowing the team to fully focus on the job at hand. Of course, we’ve also been through hundreds of practice stops back at the factory to keep the crew sharp; the times have started to come down too…
WHAT’S NEXT ON THE AGENDA? After two very busy days completing the cars and packing up the majority of the freight, we’re flying out to Melbourne in groups across Friday Saturday and Sunday. This is the busiest, but also one of the most exciting stages of the year. We’re all looking forward to it; let’s see what Australia brings!
these are the things i like to read with morning coffee! " title="ii" /> " title="sun" />
ZitatLotus flower as Kimi Raikkonen rediscovers the Formula One bug
Thursday 7 Mar 2013 6:12 pm
Kimi Raikkonen can provide success for Lotus this season
Of all the teams, Lotus have the best chance of gate-crashing the traditional top three.
Last season they were one of the biggest surprises. Having failed to win a race since Japan in 2009 (when the team were called Renault) they started 2012 with the most consistently fast car on the grid.
While Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren struggled to understand their machines, the reliable Lotus should have hoovered up all the points yet small mistakes by the team and drivers meant they kept finishing just off top spot.
It was not until Abu Dhabi that Kimi Raikkonen fulfilled the E20’s promise and won.
It was impressive the Enstone-based team, with a smaller budget than the main competition, kept up with the pace of development. It was also heartening to see the partnership of Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean blossom, picking up ten podiums in total.
Grosjean’s F1 career seemed over in 2009, when a seven-race opportunity with Renault yielded uninspiring results. He rebuilt himself in GP2 and his F1 return last year proved his exceptional speed – although he was way too crash-happy and was banned from the Italian Grand Prix following a scary start-line shunt in Spa. Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen picked up 10 podium places between them last season (Picture: Reuters)Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen picked up 10 podium places between them last season (Picture: Reuters)
Raikkonen was a revelation. After a two-year sabbatical spent rolling rally cars he has fallen in love with F1 again and, in finishing third in the championship, proved his class.
If only Michael Schumacher’s comeback had been so self-assured. Ferrari, who had paid Kimi his full salary in 2010 just to keep him away from their cars, were lost for words.
Success at Enstone is cyclical. At the mid-point of each decade they dominate for a couple of years.
It happened in 1994 and 1995 with Benetton and Schumacher, and in 2005 and 2006 with Renault and Fernando Alonso. I expect Raikkonen to challenge for the title again this year and for Grosjean to claim his first race win.
In contrast to high-profile transfers at McLaren and Mercedes, Lotus’s line-up is unaltered. Technical director James Allison has been revealed as one of the most innovative in the pitlane, while team principal Eric Boullier is a trusted and steady hand. Lotus could be the surprise package this season (Picture: Getty)Lotus could be the surprise package this season (Picture: Getty)
The E21, meanwhile, is an improvement ‘in all areas,’ said Grosjean after his first test.
‘It was close last year but the indications are it is closer still this year,’ Allison claimed in Barcelona last week.
‘It would be a bold person who could make a prediction on who will win this year. It could be any one from four teams.’
It's exactly what I want to read when I wake up too.
Lots of times I wondered what would had happened if Ferrari would have kept Kimi instead of Massa or McLaren Kimi instead of Button... but then I thought, rally years was what Kimi needed then, they did him good (although I'm not with the ones who say he spent time "rolling" rally cars) he was a top 10 WRC driver both years. Lotus also had to go through a tough process in that same period to make them what they are today. So maybe this is the reason it all happened and something special it's cooking for them both. Maybe a well deserved happy ending for their stories.
It seems I woke up a bit philosophical today, I better go back to sleep h" title="hih" />
lets not forget what a big hit lotus got as a team when Robert was hurt...a lot of people's efforts, hard work and dreams fell apart together with Roberts... " title="sad" />
so yes, lets hope Kimi will be their and our lucky star! arts" title="hearts" />
ZitatESPN prediction In Kimi Raikkonen the team has a driver capable of fighting for the title, so it comes down to whether the Enstone factory can produce a competitive car on a lower budget than its rivals. That is lot to ask when you're going up against the likes of Red Bull and McLaren, but if anyone can do it it's the boys and girls at Lotus
I read this interview with Davide Valsecchi through google translator. http://www.f1news.ru/interview/valsecchi/83462.shtml He tell his gratitude to Lotus, what he will be doing in the team, the impossibility for Italian drivers to get a seat in F1... He speaks a lot.
Here below is the interview, if you want to venture into google translations
Davide Valsecchi - the second in the history of GP2 champion, who after winning the title there was no place in F1. Now he is - a backup pilot Lotus, but does not complain about life: "It's the best of what I could only dream of," - says Davide. And there is no doubt - it is sure of it.
In the paddock is rarely seen more frank person. During the interview, Valsecchi is looking for answers in their pockets, interrupts, if it considers that it is not finish, claps his hands, rolled with laughter after "difficult" questions and looking straight in the eyes, looking up only when it is necessary to make an artistic pause. Italian!
F1News.Ru correspondent spoke to him twice during a test session in Barcelona. The day before he had the chance to work for the first time at the wheel of Lotus E21, and after a couple of hours after it had happened. This is a great interview. There may be too large for the backup pilot of Formula 1, but out of it really hard to throw at least a couple of answers.
Postponing the case for 15 minutes. This guy has something to say ...
Q: Davide, how you like the new role in the team? Davide Valsecchi: Fantastic. For me this is an important step forward. Last year I won the title in GP2, now make the first steps in F1. I will try to learn as many as possible with Kimi Raikkonen and eventually become a pilot, which the team will choose as the primary for the next season.
Question: Are you not disappointed that a few guys that were behind you in the past year, now ... Davide Valsecchi: (laughs) What are they?
Q: I have some other work ... Davide Valsecchi: Good question, my friend. No, it does not disappoint. I have not had any opportunity to be behind the wheel combat vehicle. The only opportunity that I have, this is - to say thank you Lotus. They took me to a reserve pilot. History could not have been different.
Some of my colleagues in the GP2 now Marussia and Caterham. First, to get there need a huge budget, but in Italy it is impossible to find. Secondly, Lotus - one of the best teams. The fourth power of the team in the World Cup, which this year could do more. This is a top team.
The question was: "Chasing one of the last teams or be a backup pilot Lotus, to be able to receive in the future something really worthwhile?" I would in any case have chosen the second option.
Q: Are you hoping to get the opportunity to drive at least a few of Friday's workout? Davide Valsecchi: We need to be honest with yourself. Command is not necessary. Develop a plan for me to test, in which I will be working with the old machine. They will prepare me, will make it possible to be in shape. It's better than Friday, to the same top teams do not have to give back-up training to pilots. In Lotus I will not let such an opportunity - not taking into account the possible problems of the main drivers.
What is Friday's workout? Even if you proedesh 9-10 "Friday" for the season, in each of them you will have about 15 laps per session. In sum, it is 150 laps. Simply put, this is one measured test day! You know what I mean? If the team just for me to prepare the tests, even with the old car, it will be much more useful.
Questions: How important is it to attend the briefings with the engineers and combat pilots during the Grand Prix?Davide Valsecchi: It's important, what I need to improve. I won the title in GP2 and Formula 1 came to learn. I'm sure that's good enough to be a part of Formula 1, one of the key drivers. But I was not enough. Will I win in Formula 1, that is the question! Now I am not easy to answer, I have to prove it on the track. But what I'm sure right now: it is important to be fully prepared for the debut of the team to call you and you were at that moment ready to squeeze the maximum out of the car. And one of the areas in which I must add - is the work with the engineers.
What is a team GP2? That's 12 people. All! Mechanics and engineers. In testing at Lotus 70 people on the track. We need a different approach.
I will learn from Kimi. He's one of the best pilots in the world, ranked in the top three at the end of last season. World Champion. I'll try to get as much information from him. All the team are in love with Raikkonen, I would like to be like him one day.
Q: Davide, you are the champion second GP2, which has not passed directly to Formula 1. The first was Giorgio Pantano. Italian too ... Do you have an explanation for the fact that in Formula 1 for the second season there is no pilot from Italy? Davide Valsecchi: I do not know. To be honest, a couple of years ago, we just did not have the appropriate drivers. Last year, I did not deserve to be here. I finished seventh in GP2. Potentially, I was not bad, but has gained a place in Formula 1. Yes, you can always find a justification in the fact that no one at home we do not support them. But, frankly, Italy simply no suitable driver.
Now a pilot Italy has. Valsecchi won the GP2. Moreover, won with dignity. I had 10 podiums, many victories. Two years ago I won the GP2 Asia, I had the victory in Monte Carlo ... But! I had no support, which I expected. In truth, the only one who really believed that I was worthy of a Formula 1 was myself. I, my family, my friends and my entourage: trainers and managers. But not others.
I tell you what, in Italy there is a big sports newspaper - La Gazzetta dello Sport. Never in there was not a single article that could help me. In Italy, we are well able to criticize - in the end, when all is lost.
Q: Maybe a little prevents Ferrari? All the attention goes to her ... Davide Valsecchi: Yes, I imagine so. But Ferrari deserves. This is the most important, the most famous team in the world. But this prevents the Italian pilots. The situation is similar in motorcycle racing. We have Valentino Rossi, but the rest is not so easy to draw the attention of sponsors, to become famous.
Supports me, not many people in the country. No one is interested in me to become a pilot of Formula 1. And I am happy that Lotus decided to give me a chance. If not for them, I would look at the race on TV. In addition to this I had no other way to get the job.
Question: Provided is also working on a simulator - a Lotus just finish working on it ... Davide Valsecchi: Yes, I will have such a program. This top-level simulator. They have invested a lot of money in technology, many borrowed from other teams to create the best simulator. I'm not a big fan of the simulator, but it can also help.
Q: Romain Grosjean said that the simulator is not 100% ready ... Davide Valsecchi: The problem is not that he is not ready. We lack the software, some tracks are not loaded, but the simulator is ideal. Just do not have time to finish it, and the contract was signed, too late. They called me three or four days before Sherry and said that I was in command. Tests on the simulator will start in April, after working with the old machine. This should help me.
I am very pleased that it is now working with Lotus. I'm happy. I feel confident in their abilities. I'm strong enough to be with the group. But the question is: can I be fast enough to fight in the top five, with the champions? On it I'd like to get an answer. But I can find out, just sat behind the wheel during the Grand Prix.
Q: Do not you think that you are right now, even in a better position compared to former adversaries in GP2? Those who will debut in the junior teams. You will have the opportunity to learn, to earn a place in one of the best teams? Plus additional time for preparation. Davide Valsecchi: I would say so. If here in Barcelona, ​​were tests GP2, and I'd say ten minutes before the session: "Get dressed, you have five circles" - I would have got in the car and would be right on the first line. In Formula 1, I still need to get used to a lot. Level pilots above, other equipment and so on.
I can learn a lot, I can work through. And I will be much better, as a pilot, by the end of this year. And I hope that after the test program, which we will, after work on the simulator, they've called me for tests and say, "You have three circles, show all that you know how." I sit behind the wheel and be as fast as Raikkonen. This is my dream. That is my goal.
Q: On the other hand, except for Lotus options for next year will not be so much. When you're racing in GP2, all may see your progress. Now be able to follow the progress of only one team ... Davide Valsecchi: You're right, but I have said - I have no choice. I won the GP2, GP2 Asia, I won two years ago, I won in Monte Carlo, but the only call I got was from Lotus. Point.
Now I reserve pilot. I do not have the budget to do something else, but I will make every effort to give all that I have to learn to work in Formula 1 and become the best pilot. I'm going to absorb information like a sponge. All the information is only available. And I will improve. Because my goal - not just "be" in Formula 1. My goal - to race to win. Now I'm not good enough for that. When I'm ready, I sit behind the wheel of Lotus and will be very fast.
Q: You'll be performing in the race this year? Maybe sit behind the wheel of the prototype? In Lotus there is a program in endurance racing ... Davide Valsecchi: None. Prototypes will not make me better. All drivers who passed into the body, grew slower in the formulas. It's the law. The only opportunity to continue to chase that I had - it's karting. One of the teams asked me to program in World Cup racing. And I agreed. I will drive four races during the season - the ones that do not intersect on schedule with Formula 1.
Q: We are glad to return to karting? Davide Valsecchi: Honestly? I will welcome the opportunity to make his way into Formula 1. Get a chance to show what I can do here. That is my goal. The rest - to maintain shape. You have to be ready at all times to drive.
Q: The youngest driver in Formula 1 is difficult to prove in the absence of tests ... Davide Valsecchi: Yes, they are not enough. But I'm no one to change the rules. You should ask about it from someone else. For myself, I can only say that he would like to have more opportunities to show themselves. Because to drive this car, drive six or nine fastest laps during Friday practice and get the most - it's incredibly difficult. Everyone would like to have a couple of days with measured test. Get comfortable with the car and so on. I very much hope that the FIA ​​and the team will do something for the young pilots. I'll be happy.
Q: Maybe it makes sense to put on each of the teams third car during workouts - only for young drivers? Davide Valsecchi: As an option. Or something else. For example, the first training - only for the young. I do not know, I do not have a prescription, but you need to do something that would help people in my position. This is a problem.
Imagine: no tests, you are entitled to use only old car. If you're in the top team, it can not you be allowed to drive during training - this time to the main pilots. And rightly so! Here's an example: the main driver before the season, there are six test days - maximum. So what? Then put the guy behind the wheel of GP2 in the first training session in Melbourne? Of course not!
It's a bit frustrating. But we are no one to judge. I'm trying to do everything in my power to be ready. It's not easy, but it has to. When [the test] team told me that after 10 minutes should get in the car, I was ready in exactly 10 minutes. I will never say "no."
In any case, the tests, I received confirmation that is strong enough that I can be with the group. But I want to be good enough to win races.
Q: You have said that the work on the tests will begin in April. But you go to Melbourne as a backup command pilot. That is, in which case - if, say, Kimi again eat fish - for you to drive. You're ready? Davide Valsecchi: If Kimi on this machine can finish third, I can come sixth. One hundred percent. I'll be ready! Do not worry, many pilots went from GP2 to Formula 1 and do a good job with their work. I am the champion. I will do everything right. I hope that the main drivers in order. But ... the next time you call me, I'll be ready instantly. How to test in Barcelona.
I see no reason why I can not be quick enough to fight with the leaders. Now I need to just calm down, take a look at the race from the sidelines. But I'm here to finally fight for victory. I am strong. You will see. I'm sure you'll see.
Question: You said that the only call after winning the GP2 was from Lotus. You were surprised that no one else was interested in your services? No one else called? Davide Valsecchi: call they? We can answer all the questions? (Looks at the press officer Andy Stobart team and receives approval) call they? Do you want to know? Yes, they are called. But they immediately asked me what I have. You know what I have? Fiat Punto. Red. And its price is not as important.
In Italy, a difficult economic situation. We can not compete with other countries in the sponsorship. End of story. I got a few calls, but I was immediately asked what I could bring with me. What they wanted, I had not. The only team who called with a specific proposal and did not ask for anything in return - is Lotus.
When one day I will become the best driver in the world, I thought of them forget. I will always remember those who gave me a chance.
I will learn from Kimi. He's one of the best pilots in the world, ranked in the top three at the end of last season. World Champion. I'll try to get as much information from him. All the team are in love with Raikkonen, I would like to be like him one day.
That's nice to read.
Zitat Question: Provided is also working on a simulator - a Lotus just finish working on it ... Davide Valsecchi: Yes, I will have such a program. This top-level simulator. They have invested a lot of money in technology, many borrowed from other teams to create the best simulator. I'm not a big fan of the simulator, but it can also help.
Q: Romain Grosjean said that the simulator is not 100% ready ... Davide Valsecchi: The problem is not that he is not ready. We lack the software, some tracks are not loaded, but the simulator is ideal. Just do not have time to finish it, and the contract was signed, too late. They called me three or four days before Sherry and said that I was in command. Tests on the simulator will start in April, after working with the old machine. This should help me.
Wasn't this simulator supposed to be ready last april? Then they said it will be ready at the end of the year, now we hear it's still not ready. " title="hmm" />
Zitat Although conventional computer simulations are very powerful, they are still limited in their ability to tell us whether a new concept will produce acceptable handling characteristics. The driver in the loop simulator goes a long way to closing off that gap in our previous competence. The ‘driver-in-the-loop’ simulator went live at Enstone in 2012 and enables a driver to give input into the development process.
the new simulator seems to be ready and more advanced, perhaps just the software is not complete for every truck....
also, in terms of development:
Zitat 2014 brings some enormous regulation changes. In particular, the transmission designs which have been pretty stable for the last 6 years or so must all be torn up and started from scratch for 2014. The RPM and torque range of the 2014 engine is so different to what went before it that we must replace our factory testing facilities to make sure that they are compatible with the new designs. This investment will ensure that Enstone’s 2014 gearboxes are fast and reliable from the moment that the season begins.
ZitatLotus plays down title talk despite Raikkonen win in Australia
Lotus has played down talk that Kimi Raikkonen's Australian Grand Prix victory has put the team in a position to fight for the Formula 1 world championship this year.
Raikkonen caused a surprise in Melbourne when a two-stop strategy helped him charge through from seventh on the grid to win.
The consistency of the Lotus on its tyres has prompted talk that the outfit is well set for repeat performances, but team boss Eric Boullier is not getting carried away yet.
When asked if he believed Raikkonen's victory in Australia meant Lotus was definitely in a position to gun for the championship this year, Boullier said: "No.
"The only thing that I am focusing on is that we have clearly stated we want to be a top team.
"Starting the season like this means we will fight with everything for the championship, but it is too early to say anything other than Lotus is a top team now.
"And if every year we are putting ourselves in a situation where we can compete for wins, then you can build up from the nice momentum to maybe be champion again."
Boullier does admit, however, that Lotus appears to be in much better shape than in 2012, when it squandered a number of opportunities to win early in the season.
"Last year already at the beginning of the season there were a couple of times we caught up with the leaders near the end of the race as we had a different strategy or were better on the tyres," he said.
Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus"We worked very hard to make sure we kept those strengths of last year's car and improve obviously the weaknesses.
"It is true with the 2013 tyres that it looks like they degrade a bit more, so it has put us in a different situation."
Boullier conceded that his outfit had headed in to the race on Sunday fearing that Red Bull was going to dominate.
"We were scared a little bit yes," he said. "Their car here was capable of delivering more on one lap and less on a long run distance."
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