Saturday: An encouraging qualification for Lotus

Kimi Räikkönen – 4th and 5th:

« The car was running well today. Unfortunately, I made two mistakes in my fast lap, which probably cost me two-tenths. Without that, I was in the running for pole position. I went a bit wide out of turn 9 and lost some time, but that happens sometimes. We had issues with the KERS yesterday, but they were gone today. The car responded perfectly and the feeling was excellent. It’s really a shame to have received this penalty. The day was still really positive. Tomorrow, I’ll try to make up ground from my tenth place on the grid. »

Romain Grosjean – 5th and 7th:

« It’s magnificent to have both cars in Q3, and I am really happy to be in the top ten in my first two races. The team has done an outstanding job to get the most out of the car. Tomorrow’s race promises to be exciting, and I hope to gain some positions. The weather here remains unpredictable, our pace isn’t far from the leaders’, and the race will be long. Anything can happen. In these conditions, tire management will be crucial. Qualifying is one thing, but the race will be another. I really can’t wait to get started. If I could finish in the top five, that would be magnificent, but the most important thing is to score my first points. »

Alan Permane, Director of Track Operations:

« Obviously, we are happy with our performance today, but as always in Formula 1, we always want more. Kimi felt he made a mistake in two corners and with a perfect lap, he could aim for better. But overall, finishing qualifying with the fifth and seventh times is encouraging.

According to the data, we should have a good race. Our tires hold up well in these conditions. We have set good adjustments, with which the drivers are very satisfied. If the weather permits, both our cars should finish in the points.

Regarding Kimi’s gearbox, we really have no concerns. This gearbox reached high temperatures in Australia after the cooling system was blocked by grass and debris. Kimi completed most of the race under those conditions. We examined both gearboxes thoroughly and Romain’s showed no issues. Kimi therefore has a new gearbox, resulting in a five-place penalty, but it was necessary.

We are counting on a dry track and the fastest possible strategy given our positions on the grid. We will monitor the information and satellite bulletins while keeping an eye on the sky at the start of the race, and we have a plan in case of rain. It’s almost impossible to establish a precise strategy for rain in advance, as it involves too many parameters. The key is to stay calm and make thoughtful decisions.

[From the official statement released by Lotus]