10/02/2014
NEWS STORY
Although it missed the first pre-season test in Jerez last month, Lotus has broken cover with its new E22 during a shakedown test at Jerez.
Run under the guise of 'promotional filming' the Enstone team ran its 2014 contender for the first time on Friday and Saturday.
Due to mileage restrictions imposed on filming days the Enstone squad was limited to just 100km of testing on each day, with demonstration tyres, though the team reports the car ran without major problems and new recruit Pastor Maldonado quickly settled into his surroundings.
The team is expected to make its first public appearance with the car at next week's Bahrain test, where it remains to be seen whether it will suffer as a result of the decision not to test in Jerez with the rest of the field last month, especially given the woes experienced by fellow Renault powered teams.
Lotus claims its engine ran without major problems during the two days of running and claims the design and build quality of the new car to be better than the E21 it replaces, but they would say that, wouldn't they?
Mat Coch