Pastor Maldonado’s winter testing programme finished in the wall at turn four on Sunday thanks a braking problem that prevented him from making the corner.
The Venezuelan driver has enjoyed an impressive winter programme, telling MotorSportsTalk last week that he feels far happier and more comfortable than he did at this time in 2014.
However, his running in Barcelona on Sunday did not end as he would have hoped when a brake problem caused him to hit the wall at turn four, bringing his day to a close.
“It was a shame to end the day early, but that was the only issue we’ve had like this during testing so we can look to the positive that we have a lot of information to take the car in the right direction,” Maldonado said.
“My braking was compromised coming into turn four, meaning I went off the track and hit the barriers. I was able to brake and slow, just not as much as the maximum otherwise possible.
“The car was not too badly damaged and I am fine, but it’s a shame we had this issue as we would have been looking at running the softer tires in the afternoon and putting in some fast laps.
“I’m looking forward to getting back in the car in Melbourne as I think we have good potential this season.”
Since switching to Mercedes engines for the 2015 season, Lotus appears to have made great progress. The E23 Hybrid is an all-new car following a tough 2014, and if Maldonado and teammate Romain Grosjean can continue their testing form in the new season, it could prove to be a very successful year for the British team.
The 2015 F1 season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix on March 15.
