Hybrid car to enter F1

Lotus’ F1 team has unveiled its challenger for 2015 – the E23 Hybrid – for its competition debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 12-15 “It represents a new era for the team, not only in the change to a Mercedes-Benz power unit but it’s also fruition of a busy winter,” says Matthew Carter, chief executive officer. “Improvements in our design, aerodynamics and simulation departments have contributed to a car that’s a huge step forward. As a team we are confident it – coupled with additions to the race team – will enable a huge leap forward.” Nick Chester, technical director, adds: “We’ve made strong progress in the wind tunnel, and in areas such as packaging and cooling. We expect the E23 to perform far better than its predecessor. “We have paid more attention to making the car’s characteristics more adaptable. We were delivered something of a blow last year when the front-rear interconnected suspension was outlawed mid-season. The E23’s suspension is specific to updated regulations, so we’re not trying to update a system originally intended to work in a different way.”