Lotus F1 Team solves chassis problems of E20 – Formula 1 news
James Allison, technical director of Lotus says that the team has solved the issue of the new E20’s chassis because of which the team missed the second Formula 1 pre-season test at Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona, without compromising on the performance
of the car.
Allison has said that the new car will be ready for the third and final pre-season test scheduled to be held in Barcelona.
“It's been an intense few days, but I have to say that everybody has completed their tasks in tremendous fashion,” Allison said. “On the first day back at the factory, I spoke to the entire Enstone personnel and clearly explained what happened. Everybody
understood that the situation was unfortunate, but under control. We designed the new parts, manufactured them, and fitted them to the chassis. We then completed the necessary tests satisfactorily and the chassis left for Spain.”
Moreover, he said that due to the changes in the chassis, the car has gained a little weight but its impact on the performance will be insignificant.
“We're only talking about 1kg, which is manageable,” Allison added. “It won't have any significant impact on handling or performance.”
After admitting that missing four days during the test were quite concerning, Allison said that everything has been fixed and the team has every reason to feel positive for the forthcoming season.
Furthermore, Allison stated that the team came to Barcelona with the new chassis E20-02. On Tuesday, it completed the installation laps but then Romain Grosjean came back to the pit after he applied the brakes before the first turn during his flying lap
and felt that there was a problem with the car.
Later it was discovered that upper front wishbone rear arm was mounting because of which the team could only be able to complete 7 laps at the second test.
Allison said that the team designed, manufactured and fixed the new parts to the chassis in the factory at Enstone and then left for Spain. Moreover, he said that the chassis did not have to pass FIA’s mandatory crash tests once again but the last two days
were quite intense.
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