Lotus set to race debut ‘The Device’ at Belgian GP
24 August, 2012
Kimi Raikkonen in action driving the Lotus E20
Aug.24 (Apex) It is no secret that Lotus have been developing their own version of the Mercedes style double DRS (Drag Reduction System) for the E20′s driven by Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean, which the team’s technical boss James Allison is dubbing ‘The Device’.
Allison said in the team’s preview of the Belgian GP, “We’ve also been focusing on ensuring that we have the capability to run the new device in Spa should we be confident enough to do so.”
When asked fo the name of the new device, he added, “I rather like ‘The Device’ as it has a sort of Dr Strangelove appeal to it, but most people refer to it as DDRS.”
“A big focus has been getting ready for Monza which is immediately after Spa and requires a unique downforce package. It’s only one race but it requires a whole new set of wings and a disproportionate amount of work. We’ve also been focusing on ensuring that we have the capability to run the new device in Spa should we be confident enough to do so,” said Allison.
The double DRS has been tested only by Raikkonen, with Grosjean set to get a taste of ‘The Device’ this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps which should suit the pace setting Lotus E20.
Allison predicted, “If it’s a dry weekend Spa fits the category of circuit at which we are most confident, so all of us are excited to be going there. The team is impatient to be back at the track and racing the E20.”
Spa is notorious for producing rain during grand prix weekends; nevertheless Allison is confident, “If it’s a wet weekend it’s a much more open question; for all teams, not just for us. It frequently rains at Spa, so we have to be prepared for that possibility. We’ve had various wet experiences so far this season, with the inclement weather coming mainly in qualifying. At Spa, the nature of the corners and the loadings on the tyres should be sufficient to generate enough heat in the rubber, so we’re not unduly concerned. We would prefer a dry weekend, but we should be competitive whatever the weather.”
The Lotus E20 has been the revelation of 2012, but the team are not resting on their laurels as Allison explained, “We’ve structured our development of this year’s and next year’s cars differently to the last few seasons to leave us with more than double our traditional post-shutdown development on the current car. This late season freedom was paid for by having conducted a more intense development programme for next year’s car earlier on this year.”
“Hopefully this approach should pay dividends for the development of both cars. The E20 certainly hasn’t fallen behind relative to our opposition, and next year’s car is looking promising at this stage,” concluded Allison.
Subbed by AJN.
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- Lotus admit Monaco may not suit their car but they go prepared
- Lotus play down 2012-favourite tag
- Lotus set fourth place target for Raikkonen led team
The writer’s of some comments should not waste our time. Earlier writer here, michaelmcmaster, talks about “the device” of lotus will be banned if ferrari can’t figure it out. How illinformed he is, the device is already banned next year. Know what to say and when, or just plain keep your comments to yourself. Forza Ferrari
I just hope Alonso wins.. Let Kimi be 2nd.. I have no probs.. But Alonso should be the world champion this year!! Go Fernando Go!!
People can argue and bicker about what drivers they like or do not like but when it comes to Kimi, everybody seems to love him and the way he doesn’t care about anything apart from driving fast!
He’s the coolest guy on the planet!
i hope kimi can win, he is a breath of fresh air in this seasons formula one. I do hope Button can jump through his slump period, this season has to be one of the best in years.
Good luck to all
kimi wil most defiantly win with ze device
@Nemo:
QUALITY
Maybe it should be called the Dev-ICE
oh yeah, and GO ICE MAN!
it will work until Ferrari decides that they can’t figure it out themselves. Then it will be immediately banned forever. Any wins or podium/points finishes will also be stripped retroactively.
Kimi has tested ‘The Device’.
It has been set up by Kimi.
Now Kimi shall use ‘The Device’ at his favorite track.
Kimi & ‘The Device’ shall win together!
The doctor’s device…
Hope it turns out to be a Blockbuster HIT with KIMI on the wheel
Gotta love the title……… n I love the phrase ‘THE DEVICE’, kind of an action movie.