Team Lotus - 2011 Preview

2010 was for Lotus Racing, as it was for the other new teams, a year that began with rushed preperation. Admitted to Formula 1 late with the withdrawal of BMW Sauber the team had even less time than Virgin and HRT to prepare for the season. As such the fact they wound up being clearly the best of the new teams was impressive. However, given the distinct lack of speed and reliability from the other two teams throughout the year, it's possible people have overrated the performance of Lotus Racing as a result.

They must be commended for building such a reliable car off such little preparation time. And equally, credit must be given to Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen for managing to bring the car home more often than not. That said, there was a distinct lack of improvement in pace from the car throughout 2010. they started off behind Sauber & Toro Rosso, and at no point whatsoever did they look like getting anywhere near challenging. Given the experience of Trulli, Kovalainen and technical director Mike Gascoyne, that surely must rank as a disappointment.

Looking to 2011 though, it's possible the new regulations could somewhat assist the Lotus team in 2011. The adjustable rear wings and KERS will make overtaking a whole lot easier, and while Lotus may not have the fastest car on the grid, they do have two tremendously talented, experienced former race winners in the cockpit. And you feel that with these regulations to assist overtaking, they could be more than a handful for rookies like Di Resta, Maldonado and Perez. While those three may be in faster cars, with these overtaking assists you feel that the two Lotus cars may find it easier moving up the grid in 2011.

Put simply in 2011 Lotus must be aiming to take some steps forward. They've got the money, they've got the people and they've got the know how. They lack the excuses of most new teams in Formula 1. For the start of the year they need to be aiming to be on a par with Sauber/STR. Simply being the best of the three new teams won't cut it in the second year. And unlike last year, car development throughout the season must also be a target. Starting off on a par with the back of the midfield, and hopefully making points finishes a realistic target by the end of the season. With basically half the grid getting points by the end of races these days it's not an altogether difficult target, and one they must aim for if they are to get anywhere. And with the right mix of experience, dedication and skill, it's very achievable in 2011.