Lotus delighted with team effort in opening rounds

With the 2013 Formula 1 season already in full flow, there’s no time to relax as the team prepares for the next double-header in China and Bahrain. Race Team Manager Paul Seaby gives us his view on a busy start to the year…

Here we are, back at base following the first two rounds of the season; how have things gone for the race team so far?

The work produced by the race team over these past few weeks has been fantastic. This was most notable in Malaysia where we had to remove the gearboxes from both cars after qualifying, in addition to carrying out repairs to the bodywork and floors. That the drivers were able to go straight out and comfortably completed a race distance – without any install laps to check over these repairs – demonstrates what a thorough and effective job the crew managed to do under a great deal of pressure.

Pit stops were a bit of a mixed bag during the last race; how are these coming along?

You’re right; for some reason as a team we lost our mojo a little over the Malaysia weekend. On Friday our practice stops were as good as they ever have been, but from Saturday onwards we were struggling to string good stops together. The switch from wet to dry conditions and subsequent front wing flap adjustments didn’t help, but even taking that into consideration it still wasn’t our best weekend. We have to take that on the chin, put everyone through their paces with some more practice at Enstone, and work hard to get back to where we should be and deserve to be. Similar to a football team; when we are good praise is due, and when we aren’t we need to face up to that as a unit, work hard together and get ourselves back on song.

Next stop China; what are the biggest challenges in terms of turning things around between these flyaway races?

The priority on pack up is efficiency; getting everything dismantled and shipped off in the most effective way possible. In Australia we were held up by a couple of hours in the aftermath of the win; but that’s certainly not a delay we’ll ever complain about! Believe it or not, the biggest hurdle we faced heading away from Malaysia is the damp. If any metallic equipment gets packed into the freight without adequate cleaning and protection it will be rusted by the time it arrives, and corrosion of course breaks parts.

Speaking of the Malaysian climate, how tough is it for the team to maintain peak performance levels in those levels of heat and humidity?

It’s tough going without doubt. We make sure everyone is kept hydrated by packing in plenty of water and supplements, but no matter what your fitness levels, working in a garage which sits at around thirty-five degrees is hard work; particularly when the cars are fresh from the track and kicking off extreme levels of additional heat.

Is there one thing that stands out to you as a highlight in terms of the team’s performance thus far in 2013?

For me, the biggest positive has been the manner in which the team has reacted to any issues which have arisen. The way we operate as a unit – identifying, reporting and resolving problems with the car – has been top notch. From the team back at Enstone helping us work through each issue, to the crew at the track who have worked their socks off to get the cars built; everyone has put in a sterling effort to give both drivers a package that is not only competitive, but reliable over a race distance.

What are the priorities heading into the next double-header?

One of the main objectives is to make sure both drivers have the latest parts available to them. Romain of course was running without the latest spec exhaust system and related bodywork in Malaysia, and there will be further additions to come for both cars on top of that. We’re also aiming to get more from the car in qualifying trim. We know the E21 is strong in terms of race pace, but it goes without saying that better grid positions give the drivers a better chance of achieving top results. If we can bring everything together, there’s a good chance we’ll be competitive again in China.

Source: www.lotusf1team.com