Bulge: We don't want Kimi adaptable team

In an interview with the official website of the championship Manager Lotus F1 Team Eric bulge remembered last season, talked about their expectations and explained why he will not even try and change the character of Kimi Raikkonen. . .

Question: Eric, last year, you certainly proved to be one of the most lucky team leaders: the season was incredibly successful, Lotus has made significant progress...
Eric Bulle: I don't consider myself lucky. In recent years, our share was a lot of trouble - remember the accident Robert Kubica. Then we took a few risky technical solutions, but they didn't work. Last season is quite good. Imagine what we could achieve, if in 2011 we did not have such problems!

Question: Look at it this way: leaders McLaren and Ferrari Martin Whitmarsh and Stefano Domenicali had to answer the questions of why their teams failed to achieve more, and you are only praised...
Eric Bulle: Maybe you're right. Our success is largely based on the fact that we tried to go the other way, and the shareholders supported our decision. For example, the invitation Kimi Raikkonen was a risky move.

Q: Kimi is a unique person who likes to get their way. How difficult is it to control it and to use commands?
Eric Bulle: Honestly, it's not so difficult, but I had to get the engineers to understand and respect his style of thinking and behavior. It achieves good results, so it is easy gaining respect.

Question: So when you heard on the radio "Leave me alone, I know what you're doing, you just believe him?
Eric Bulle: Yes, but the trust level must be very high! (laughs) In addition to the fact that Kimi has character, which we all know, he wisely built working relationships within the team. It took some time before he regained his speed, but he worked on himself, because he knew that the race is its strong point.

The whole year, step by step, he added, and eventually found his old form, became the Kimi that we like. Maybe sometimes he's not everything, but a lot depends on the team, we want that Kimi was his style, and he could not adjust to us. I would rather that the team worked in his style.

Question: Can you talk about the fact that Kimi is king at Lotus?
Eric Bulle: No. I don't want to have spoiled racer who could lead the team in the wrong direction. We do not obey his whims, we just try to create an environment where he can be himself. That's the difference.

Question: If Roman Grosjean showed the same stability as Kimi, did you have a chance to take third place in the Cup of designers. How often in 2012, you cursed youthful enthusiasm of the Novel?
Eric Bulle: Often! (laughs) But let's think positively. We have certain expectations: this year we will be able to enter the top three, if the enthusiasm of the Novel will be finished results. If we are successful, then at the end of the season we account will be a lot of points.

Question: did You consider other candidates for a Novel?
Eric Bulle: To be honest, I talked with a few racers - they asked me for help, but, frankly, never went too far in these negotiations. I continue to believe that Kimi and Roman - a good pair of pilots.

Question: What achievements you expect from a Novel in the future? What are you planning to make it a success?
Eric BulleWe will do everything in our power. You need to create an appropriate atmosphere, to protect and sustain the Novel, he is comfortable. But, ultimately, progress depends on it. We have to be patient, but that patience cannot last for three years or ten years - the results right now. He is very fast, but need to add in all the rest. If possible, he will become one of the best drivers in Formula 1.

Question: Not so long ago you said that in the new season want to be better than in 2012) last year, Lotus has only lost to teams big three. You think you can give a fight to teams that exceed your number of employees and financial capabilities?
Eric Bulle: Yes it is possible. I think it would benefit the sport and leading teams will think: "Lotus fewer employees, they have not so much money, but they come to us on the heels, fighting for the leading position, and we spend two times more. Perhaps we are doing something wrong."

Question: How do you keep the leading experts when rivals can offer them a higher salary?
Eric Bulle: This cannot be avoided, there is nothing we can change. However, if someone thinks he can make more money, you are free to leave - I will not interfere. My principles are to create an optimal working environment for all and not just for racers. We need to make sure that all are satisfied with their salary. If someone comes to me with crazy requests I to say goodbye. If someone thinks that somewhere in another place where the grass is greener, he can leave.

Question: In what areas E21 better than last year's car?
Eric Bulle: New machine - the evolution of last year, but things are not so simple. We spent a lot of time thinking about why E20 was fast on some tracks and was inferior in speed to the other. As a result, we were able at an advanced stage in the evolutionary process.

Question: What comments gave the novel after two days of tests?
Eric Bulle: He said immediately, after four laps on the first day that the new car is a step forward compared to E20. And we have just started working with E21.

Question: Why the novel worked in the first two days? Taking into account the experience of Kimi, isn't it better that he first tested the new product?
Eric Bulle: Why do you think that the novel could not provide the necessary feedback? It was the decision of the engineers, and I don't want to deny that. In the first two days we just dealt with the peculiarities of the machine, in this solution there is no hidden meaning. Both of our driver will work the same number of days on the tests.

Question: on Thursday Kimi got prepared for his car?
Eric Bulle: The machine is ready, but Kimi didn't get any advantage.

Question: can You call strong and weak pilots their riders?
Eric Bulle: Power Kimi in his character, speed, experience, including, as he leads the race. His character is a weak side? You could say that, but I can live with it, his behavior fits into my worldview.

Strengths of the Novel is the speed and dedication, weakness - it is difficult emotions. The novel is a perfectionist, so painfully recalls the experience gained in 2009), He must overcome yourself and this will come when he will have a good season.

Question: Do you have suggestions for the 2013 year?
Eric Bulle: I want both drivers were in the first row in each race!

Question: it Seems that you want to live in a perfect world...
Eric Bulle: This is not a perfect world is a fantasy in its purest form! (laughs)