Lotus E22 Render Released

Lotus fans were disappointed when their team stated that they would not be attending the first pre-season test in Jerez and consequently delaying the launch of their 2014 challenger. The team who were the first to unveil their 2013 car were looking to spend more time developing the package at Enstone. However, in conjunction with the corporate launch season, Lotus have released three renderings of their new car and it has certainly sparked some discussion.

The images released are merely a concept, but the Lotus E22's odd design is certainly sparking debate
(c) Lotus F1 Team

2013 Team Reviews: Lotus

Next to come under the microscope is Lotus and what a crazy season it has been for the team from Enstone. Kimi Raikkonen has proved to be a highly valuable asset to the team - too valuable in fact, while Romain Grosjean enjoyed a magnificent turn in form after the summer break as he claimed four podiums post Hungary to add to his two prior to the shutdown. While Lotus were at times, the closest challengers to Red Bull, the team struggled with inconsistencies during the early part of the year which meant that they were unable to catch Ferrari and Mercedes, despite their better form at the end of the year.

Indian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Was it ever in doubt? Sebastian Vettel claimed his fourth consecutive World Drivers Title today in sublime style, as he dominated the Indian Grand Prix for a third successive year. Vettel managed to convert the compromised strategy of starting on the option tyre to great effect, as he scythed his way through the field after his initial stop on lap two. The victory could have easily been a 1-2 finish for the team but for an unfortunate alternator failure on Mark Webber's car which curtailed his progress in the closing stages. However, Red Bull still managed to wrap up the constructors title in what was a near perfect occasion for the team.

Belgian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

With the Summer Shutdown officially over, Formula One returns to action this weekend, as the tour arrives at the challenging Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The historic 4.32 mile track has played host to classic races and unforgettable moments over the years. In recent memory, the circuit marked Micheal Schumacher's sublime debut in 1990, as well as the German's first career victory in 1992. Who could forget the chaotic start to proceedings in 1998, where the race was red flagged in the wake of a colossal twelve car pile up. Spa is a place where unpredictability thrives, whether it be the weather or the outcome, we are always perched on the edge of our seat.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Saturday Analysis

Prior to today, it would have taken a brave man to bet against Sebastian Vettel for Pole Position at Hungary. His performance on Friday was seemingly invincible, yet his rivals returned to form today, as Mercedes finally managed to understand the new Pirelli construction, paving the way for Lewis Hamilton to record a third successive Pole. The Brit, who now draws level with the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio in terms of career poles, snatched P1 away from Sebastian Vettel in the dying moments of the session, while Nico Rosberg completed the Mercedes resurgence to qualify a respectable P4.

Grosjean Wanted YDT Opportunity

Following the intensive restrictions Pirelli placed upon the race drivers at last weeks Young Drivers Test, the majority of teams opted to allow their young stars all important track time. Lotus were one of these teams, with Nicolas Prost running two of the three test days, with GP2 reigning champion Davide Valsecchi putting the car through its paces on Thursday. Neither Kimi Raikkonen or Romain Grosjean received track time; A decision which has left the latter disgruntled.

Lotus Heading In The Right Direction

Lotus' season so far as been far from a smooth cruise. Following an explosive start which saw Kimi Raikkonen take his 20th career victory in Australia, the team have frequently stuttered. In certain regards, this season has closely resembled their 2012 campaign. As the paddock takes shape before a weekend, Lotus are tipped as the dark horses, yet often fail to rise to the occasion. However, several developments seem to have brought the Enstone based team back into contention, but was a spectacular German Grand Prix performance merely a flash in the pan?

Grosjean's Monaco Issues Dismissed

Following a truly shambolic weekend in Monaco, Eric Boullier has dismissed speculation that Romain Grosjean is beginning to devolve into the reckless driver he was just 12 months ago. His hideous misjudgment which ended Daniel Ricciardo's race yesterday is yet another addition to the long list of incidents which have previously earned Grosjean the unsavory title of "Mr.Nutcase".
His clumsy accident in yesterday's race was dubbed a "misjudgment" by the unfortunate Ricciardo, yet Grosjean's mistakes happen all too frequently. In a season which has been confirmed as his second and last chance, he is yet to repay Lotus for the faith they have shown in him. His ten-place grid penalty for causing the nasty collision will significantly hamper his Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

Grosjean Targets Quali Improvements

Following an impressive double podium in Bahrain, Lotus head into the European season with a chance to topple Red Bull in both championships. However, Romain Grosjean has suggested that the team need to improve their performances in Qualifying if they are to mount a sustained challenge. For a team which notoriously struggle for one lap performance, this may be easier said than done.

Boullier Predicted Sepang Struggles

Lotus Team Principal, Eric Boullier, has announced that the team predicted a drop in form following the Australian Grand Prix and were unsurprised by their poor race pace. Kimi Raikkonen could only reach P7 in Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix, from P10 on the grid. Meanwhile, teammate Grosjean could only finish one position higher in P6.

2012 - A Year In Review

2012 was an incredible year of sport, and Formula One played its part. The longest season ever brought 20 spectacular races, each filled with excitement, drama, and controversy. Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso took the title fight to Brazil; a race with enough action to fill an entire season, let alone 90 minutes. Vettel briefly lost the title, then recaptured it, completing a stunning comeback drive, reminiscent of Schumacher's Brazilian heroics of 2006. A stunning race, encapsulated a stunning year.