Lotus showed a lot of promise heading into today’s German Grand Prix, but both drivers failed to finish to the race at Hockenheim
Jarno Trulli was running fifteenth after a strong start but gearbox problems struck on Lap 4 and the Italian was forced to retire.
“I made a very good start and then suddenly I lost the gearbox and unfortunately that was it,” said Trulli. “We tried to reset it in the pit and I went out again but it didn't work, so I think it was a mechanical issue with the box that brought the race to an early end.
“It's very frustrating because I was having a very good weekend, probably the best of the whole season so far, and it's like the luck just isn't with me. We've got another chance next weekend so I hope the luck changes there.”
Kovalainen was also running well, the best positioned driver from the new teams. However, he retired on Lap 60, just seven from the end of the race, after a coming together with the Sauber of Pedro de la Rosa.
“A disappointing end but it was just one of those things that can happen when you're having to let cars past,” said the Finn. “It was my mistake but I didn't see the Sauber coming. I thought I was letting the Williams past, and didn't see the Sauber so I closed the door and that was the end of the race. It's a shame because I was running pretty well until then.”
The team, who were so ecstatic after qualifying yesterday, were very disappointed by the result, as reflected by comments from Mike Gascoyne.
“Ultimately a very disappointing day,” said the Chief Technical Office in summary. “Jarno lost second gear and had to retire and Heikki had to retire after contact with de la Rosa.
“Both cars made good starts – we started Jarno on the harder tyre and Heikki on the options to split the strategies, but Jarno's race was over before he'd really started. Heikki drove a strong race and was comfortably leading the battle of the new teams before contact forced him to retire.
“Despite this it was still a strong showing from us, and now we move on to Hungary.”
