Lotus technical director Nick Chester is confident that the Renault-powered teams will not be at as much of a disadvantage at Silverstone as they were in Austria.
Since the beginning of the year, Renault’s engines have been down on power compared to those produced by Mercedes and Ferrari, and it has harmed many of its clients 2014 aspirations. Red Bull’s RB10 car is aerodynamically sound, but has trailed behind the Mercedes works team because of the difference in engines.
In Austria, the lack of power was particularly harmful. The top four finishers were all in Mercedes-powered cars, and eighth-placed Daniel Ricciardo was the only driver to finish inside the top ten with a Renault engine.
For Silverstone though, Chester believes that the issues will not be so obvious.
“Austria and Montreal are critical circuits in terms of power,” he said. “Silverstone on the other hand has a larger percentage of time spent in corners so engine influence is more diluted and the high-speed corners mean that downforce plays a bigger role.
“Obviously Silverstone is a very different track to Austria, with many more high-speed corners that will suit our car better. We’ve also got a few updates, including a front wing and floor, some different combinations of aerodynamic parts to try and some new set-up concepts to explore.
“It’s a home race for the team so we’d like nothing more than to put on a good show in front of our factory staff and all the loyal fans in the grandstands.”
Lotus last scored points in Monaco, and has been struggling since the Spanish Grand Prix to fight inside the top ten. However, with Silverstone appearing to suit the E22 car better, Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado could be set to score some much-needed points for the Enstone team on home soil.
