Nick Chester replaces James Allison at Lotus - Formula 1 news
Nick Chester has been announced as the replacement for James Allison at Lotus, who worked as the technical director for the team since 2005. He had earlier given
his services to the same squad during the 90s.
According to Eric Boullier, Lotus team principal, “Nick is well known to everyone at Enstone having been with the team for over 12 years. He is already directly
involved with this and next year’s cars, ensuring a smooth transition which has been underway for some time.”
Boullier further stated, “He assumes his new position at a tremendously exciting time for the sport. The 2014 technical regulation changes present many challenges,
while our current position of second place in both the constructors’ and drivers’ world championships mean we cannot lose sight of this year’s development battle.”
Although it is unclear whether Allison will continue working with another team next year, yet there are some rumours that he is already in talks with Ferrari and
will be working with the Italian squad from 2014 onwards.
Due to this, the future of Lotus’ main driver Kimi Raikkonen also seems uncertain, as he would have wanted a strong technical director like Allison alongside.
The Finn made a comeback to the sport in 2012 after a two year absence and critics doubted that he would be able to make an impact in a team like Lotus, which was
financially weaker than some of the other teams such as Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes.
However, Raikkonen surprised one and all with his performances and managed to fight for the title straight away. He was a bit rusty in the opening half of the season,
but started getting better with the passage of time.
This year seems to be even better for the iceman, as he has got a car, which is capable of fighting at the front for victories. He started off the season with a
win in Australia and is currently positioned number two in the Drivers’ Championship behind reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull.
However, the departure of Allison might dent the chances of the veteran driver this season and he will be hoping that Chester can continue the good work over the
course of the season.
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