“This is the first year of radically different regulations which means
that all teams are developing their cars along potentially quite different
avenues.
“We think we have a very good solution to the challenge and hopefully
this will be seen when the E22 turns its wheels in anger.”
As well as a host of changes to the cars aerodynamics, for next season the 2.4
litre V8 engines have been replaced with 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 units
with energy recovery systems.
Most teams will be hoping to put as much mileage on the 2014 cars as possible
before the opening race of the season in Melbourne, Australia, on March 16.
Although Lotus finished the 2013 season with the second fastest car, the team
struggled financially, with Kimi Raikkonen complaining he had not been paid
before announcing his return to Ferrari.
Frenchman Romain Grosjean will be joined for 2014 by Pastor Maldonado in a
decision thought to be motivated by the team’s financial troubles, because
of the considerable sponsorship the Venezuelan driver brings.