Caterham targeting an advance to Q2 in qualifying

Caterham are confident that their new updates that are set to be introduced this weekend at the European Grand Prix could advance one of their cars into Q2 during qualifying, as the Hingham-based outfit edge closer to the midfield teams. Vitaly Petrov in particular is extremely confident this weekend, and believes Q2 is not out of the question in qualifying.

After making their debut back in 2010 (then known as Lotus), the team have made significant leaps forward in pace and consistency. They are now regarded as the best of the three ‘new’ teams which entered the sport in 2010, and have come agonizingly close to scoring points with several 13th place finishes throughout the last three years.

With the dreaded 107% rule now in force throughout qualifying, there is more emphasis on a competitive qualifying lap than ever for the three smaller teams at the back. However, Caterham are now beginning to show signs of midfield pace in qualifying, and combined with their new upgrades this weekend they are confident of a possible advance into Q2.

"The difference this year for us is that we expect to be much closer to the cars ahead than we were last year, giving us a chance perhaps to put one of our cars into Q2 and giving the drivers a real chance to race on Sunday.” Explained Caterham’s Technical Director, Mark Smith. “We have a couple of quite significant updates coming in Valencia and Silverstone - we will take a look at a number of new aerodynamic elements in Valencia as well as some minor modifications to the floor, and even though we will not know exactly what they will give us until we get out on track, we are cautiously optimistic they will help us keep edging ever closer to the midfield."

Russian driver Vitaly Petrov has won twice around the Valencia Street Circuit during his GP2 career, and is also confident that Caterham can begin to advance through to Q2. Petrov has yet to progress to Q2 this season, whereas his team-mate Heikki Kovalainen has. With the confidence and knowledge that the 27-year-old has around Valencia, he’ll be striving to impress this weekend.

"I think the Valencia race and the next one at Silverstone could be pretty positive for our team.” Said Vitaly Petrov, “We have a few updates coming onto the cars at the next two races, and we keep seeing how the gap to the teams ahead is closing, little by little. We were closer than ever to Q2 on merit in qualifying in Canada, so let’s see what the upgrades we’re bringing to Valencia and Silverstone help us do."

With the competitive and highly unpredictable nature of the 2012 season, Caterham will be eagerly hunting for their first World Championship point throughout the duration of this season.

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