Saturday, 6 September 2014

Q and A with Lotus F1 Team Track side operations director Alan Permane following qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix

Official 2014 Car & Drivers Shoot
(Lotus F1 Team)

The Lotus F1 Team endured another difficult qualifying session for tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit, the final race of the European leg of the 2014 Formula One season which has seen Pastor Maldonado start tomorrow's race from 16th place while Romain Grosjean will start the race from 17th place.

Speaking to the Lotus F1 Team following today's action Track side operations director Alan Permane commented:

“Tomorrow’s race will be a challenge.”
 
How was qualifying for the team?

“We knew it would be tough here and so it proved to be. We faced a race against time to get Romain’s car out for the session after a coolant leak and the crew did a great job to ensure he got out for a run. Unfortunately on track we simply had a lack of pace which is reflected by our qualifying position.” 
 
What are the weather and tyre considerations for the race?

“Both tyre compounds are durable and there is not a massive difference on pace between them so we aren’t expecting a multi-stop race. That said, our car could be better than some at staying in the performance window of the tyres for longer than some others. The weather was much warmer at the track today and this could well continue tomorrow which would further enhance our tyre performance potential.”

 
What is the team’s approach to the race?

“Our relative race pace should be better than what we’ve demonstrated in qualifying, however we’re under no illusion that it will be a tough race. We are looking for every opportunity to move forward over the course of the 53 laps and will seize every chance presented.”

The Lotus F1 Team head into tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix in eighth place in the Constructors championship on eight points having stopped development on this season's E22 chassis to concentrate on their 2015 car.

The Enstone outfit will be hoping that they will be in a position to move forward in the race tomorrow.

© Ben Johnston 2014


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