Allison: E21-competitive and reliable machine

Lotus F1 technical director James Allison summed up the results of the tests at Jerez and told about the tasks that the team will have to decide before the start of the season ...

Question: how useful was the first week of tests in Jerez?
James EllisonWinter tests are incredibly valuable. We have only 12 days to improve the extremely complex construction, and during these 12 days, the team must ensure that the Melbourne machine gained speed. In Jerez we waited 4 days guaranteed good weather and challenging route, which allows you to check the reliability and efficiency of the equipment. We have completed the first tests in high spirits after realized that E21-quite competitive and reliable.

Question: what are the first conclusions can be drawn, if we evaluate Pirelli 2013 model year?
James Ellison: Pirelli tyre design as changed, and compositions. In the first case, they tried to improve the ability of tyres to cope with loads while braking and cornering, while in the second case, hoping to raise the entertainment race, using the softer compounds that will quickly wear out. Based on what we've seen, design changes have proved to be useful, and we have adjusted the settings of the machine so as to most effectively take advantage of that. With regard to the choice of composition, we like the path that went to Pirelli: faces the difficult task of tyres we have worked better than rivals.

Question: the first tests have been completed. What will the next?
James Ellison: The main effort prior to the start of the season we must send to continue to prepare for the start of the season in Jerez we had only one chassis and a month should be ready for four monokoka. The gearbox, suspension, bodywork and thousands of other small parts must be carried out prior to the start of the Championship. At the same time we will work hard to prepare to upgrade machines in Melbourne, which will remain at a competitive level. While at the Lotus effort thrown to manage to do all of this at the time, part of the team's plans for the remaining two test sessions. Spare no effort, we will be modifying the car to develop our strengths and minimize the weaknesses.

Question: last year at Jerez E20 looked nice, but then Barcelona team interrupted the tests after the first half of the day. This time you have problems before sending to Spain?
James EllisonThe problem last year was due to the fact that an error had been made in developing one specific item. We have created a mounting bracket that can withstand the stresses only if it has been made absolutely perfect. However, to achieve such accuracy in the manufacturing process was difficult. The chassis, which we used in the first test, was good enough to withstand the load. In Barcelona we used the second chassis, which is not solved with such loads and almost immediately broke. As soon as we realized the mistake, then immediately have designed it so that it was strong enough, and its quality has not changed from the chassis to the chassis. When designing the E21 we paid special attention to this area, so do not expect a repetition of these problems.