An iconic name in motor sport returned today, as Lotus Racing enjoyed a successful first day of testing at Jerez.
The team's new driver, Fairuz Fauzy, completed 76 laps, and now has enough mileage under his belt to qualify for his F1 super licence, subject to FIA approval.
Chief Technical Officer Mike Gascoyne was very pleased with the first day of testing, and was quick to praise the efforts of his new driver. “It's been an excellent day for the whole team. Firstly I want to say a big thank you to Fairuz who did an excellent job today with the first proper day of running. With so much going on, such as doing systems checks, it can be a pretty disjointed day for the driver. When you add into that the changeable conditions, and also the fact we were running without power steering today, it could have been a tricky day for Fairuz but he didn't put a foot wrong so well done to him and a big thank you.”
Lotus completed all their testing objectives for the day, despite wet track conditions, and a lack of power steering due to supplier problems.
Chief Technical Officer Mike Gascoyne was very pleased with Lotus Cosworth T127's first run. “With the car we had no major reliability issues – a few niggles with overheating which were quickly solved and then the car ran pretty faultlessly. The power steering issue will be fixed for tomorrow so all in all a very successful first day and a busy evening ahead preparing the car for tomorrow.”
Fauzy was also pleased about his day in Jerez. “First of all I want to thank the team. To arrive here and complete 76 laps is fantastic. It was a big challenge, both to complete the 300kms I need for the Super Licence, and with no power steering it was difficult to drive in the dry, not so bad in the wet, so I was driving a bit conservatively but I am just very pleased.”
The Finn Heikki Kovalainen will be testing for the team tomorrow and Friday before Jarno Trulli drives the car for the first time on Saturday.
