Eric Boullier believes Lotus will be counted amongst the top teams in 2012 – Formula 1 news
Eric Boullier says that he wants to Lotus to be considered as a top team for the 2012 season.
Lotus have undergone quite a few changes after 2011 to improve its performance. The biggest highlight has remained to be the return of Kimi Raikkonen to Formula 1 as a Lotus driver but the team has made several other changes to increase their chances of
a strong showing in the upcoming season.
Lotus unveiled their R31 on Monday and are expecting big things from the latest version of their car. So far from what has been on show relative to other team’s unveilings, the Lotus car stands as one of the prettiest when it comes to the outlook and design
of the car. How strong will the car be in terms of pace and reliability still remains to be seen.
The E20 is the first car to be developed in 60% scale wind tunnel, and Boullier feels that the move will be very beneficial for the team to move forward in a bid to challenge the top teams.
“Obviously 2012 is very welcome after a poor 2011 and very hectic year,” Boullier said. “It's clear we've maintained our ambition on track and we want to carry on the full restructuring, progress and change that we started one year ago. We now have a clear
target. We know that we have a strong commitment from our shareholders, that we want to be a top team and seen as a top team.”
He added that he is expecting the team to give a strong challenge to Mercedes for the fourth position in the constructors’ championship for the 2012 season. He said that the team has a clear target now and are fully prepared to work towards it.
“2012 will be the year of our final adjustment to be ready and fully operational from 2013 with an ambitious plan. For 2012 we expect to be in a position to fight for fourth place for the championship,” he added.
The first glance of the E20 in action will be on display at the first pre-season test at Jerez on February 7, 2012.
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