Lotus Racing entered qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix with the sole target of maintaining their position as best new team. It was a goal they reached easily, with Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli claiming 19th and 20th on the Melbourne grid.
Jarno Trulli is aiming to finish the race in Melbourne tomorrow, a feat he only just missed out on in Bahrain. The Italian had a seating issue which made qualifying a bit tricky for him. ““I had a problem with the seat which meant it wasn't easy to drive, bouncing around in the car, so it was a difficult qualifying session. I'm pleased for the team though, as both cars are ahead of the new teams and we're performing really well. It's good to see that we have quite a big gap to the other new teams on this track and we're very satisfied with that – we're confident for tomorrow and we'll do our best to try and finish the race again.”
Heikki Kovalainen is pleased with how Lotus are improving with every race, and hope that both him and his teammate reach the checkered flag in tomorrow’s race. “It was a good run this afternoon. I got a good lap out of the car and out of the tyres and in general the car feels much better than it did in Bahrain. We have progressed with the set up, and as a team we are really stepping forward. Our aim for tomorrow is to make sure we stay ahead of the other new teams, and finish the race with both cars. I'm so happy with Lotus, and feel I have the chance to show what I can really do.”
Lotus Racing Chief Technical Director Mike Gascoyne was once again happy with his team’s performance, and singled out engine supplier Cosworth for a special mention. “It was a good solid job in qualifying, both drivers did very well and got the most out of the cars, and I'm very happy with the whole team. Apologies to Jarno for the seat problem, which must have hindered him. One area we're very pleased with is the growing relationship with Cosworth from whom we've had excellent reliability to date.”
Team Principal Tony Fernandes was again a very happy man, and outlined his team’s next targets. “Once again Lotus Racing has done us proud. Consistency and reliability are still our key aims, and the whole team has successfully maintained our quiet progress. Next step is to take the fight to Toro Rosso and BMW Sauber and we'll keep on fighting to achieve that. As you know Australia is an important place for me, and I – along with all our fans and Clive's lucky cap – am very much looking forward to seeing Lotus once again on the grid in Melbourne.”