Mike Gascoyne: Red Bull type diffuser for Lotus car might challenge mid-running teams – Formula 1
Lotus’ technical director Mike Gascoyne thinks that new upgrades in the car will hopefully make life tough for the midfield teams.
Mike added that a Red Bull style diffuser will be used in the car along with a completely new rear wing design.
Mike said, “We think our update is going to allow us to take a clear step into the midfield, so that we are qualifying with them and out-racing them more and more.”
With a current challenge from Williams and the two lower ranked teams, Lotus would love to be boost their performance in the Spanish Grand Prix to place themselves among the higher midfield teams like Force India and Toro Rosso.
Mike explained that the Red Bull style diffuser will be used as it has shown some impressive boost in Sebastian Vettel’s car.
He added, “It’s been a hot topic at the start of the year, so it’s pretty natural that it was going to be an area we looked at. We’ve seen from the development that it is a very big step.”
As the International Automobile Federation (FIA) is looking to ban the diffuser from the game, Lotus should be careful to adapt the technology. Nevertheless, for now, Lotus will get somewhat positive boost from the diffuser if it sits well with their car.
However, Mike added that the new technology will take some time to get acquainted but will be helpful when fully under control.
“It might take us a couple of races to fully exploit it, as I think it is going to depend on the blown floor and engine strategies, and some people have more experience than us with that,” commented Mike.
Lotus duo of Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen is pointless so far and will look to grab some points if some of the higher ranked teams falter.
The fifth race of the 2011 Formula 1 season will be contested in Spain on May 22.
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