Lotus concluded its first pre-season test at the Circuito de Jerez with Romain Grosjean getting his first taste of the E23 hybrid. Over the course of 53 laps, Romain set a best lap of 1min 23.802secs. The team continued with its installation and functionality checks as well as initial performance assessments. The team stopped running early after power unit running data showed that a problem was developing.

Track: Circuito de Jerez, Spain, 4.4km
Chassis: E23-02
Weather: Cold and sunny. Ambient 10°C – 14°C Track 10°C – 16°C
Programme: Installation and functionality checks, initial performance assessment
Laps Completed: 53
Classification: P6, 1:23.802
Interruptions: Shutdown of power unit due to data showing developing problem.

The team will next appear in test action at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya on February 19-22.

Romain Grosjean:
“My first impressions of the E23 hybrid are good. Both the power unit and the chassis are going in the right direction. I completed over fifty laps today and I can honestly say that all of them were enjoyable to drive. The team has made very good progress if you consider where we were this time last year. It’s a very good start and I’m a happy driver.”

Nick Chester, Technical Director:
“Even though it’s been an early end to our final day of running in Jerez, we’ve made fantastic progress over the past few days. We fired up the E23 hybrid for the first time at Enstone last Saturday night, ran it for the first time on Monday, then completed a very useful haul of laps over the course of the test. Both Romain and Pastor have declared themselves happy with the car and we have a clear direction for future developments. Today we finished early as analysis of power unit running data suggested a problem was developing. The power unit will now return to Brixworth for a full investigation. We have a busy week ahead of us at Enstone to make further progress with the E23 and we’re particularly looking forward to the next test in Barcelona.”

Williams

Driver: Felipe Massa
Chassis/Engine: FW37-01/PU106B hybrid
Location: Jerez de la Frontera 4.428km
Objectives: Aero work, systems and reliability checks
Weather: Mild and dry
Air and track temps: 9 – 14ºC / 8 – 16ºC

Rod Nelson, Chief Test and Support Engineer:

“Today was another trouble-free day and so we completed our programme for the week. Today’s focus was on aero and mechanical set-up, as well as working through systems reliability. We have highlighted areas we need to improve before Barcelona and leave here with a reliable package that is straightforward to work with. I think we are all very happy.”

Felipe Massa:

“The FW37 once again proved how reliable it was with an error free day. The car has been consistent over the last four days and we have made good progress. We have highlighted certain areas that need work and so will make sure the car is improving every time we take to the track. We have our feet on the ground and are focused on making this car quicker when testing continues in Barcelona.”