- Lotus
Lotus releases E23 Hybrid images
Lotus has released the first images of the Mercedes-powered E23 Hybrid it hopes will help it bounce back from a frustrating 2014 campaign.
New year, new look
- The new noses for 2015 will be much lower and tapered, much like they were in the mid-1990s, which comes after a backlash to some of the striking nose designs last season. There is less interpretation in the rules than last year meaning it is unlikely we will see such variety in 2015.
- Read all about the new regulations for 2015 here
The team has switched from Renault to Mercedes after scoring just 10 points last year. It retains the predominantly black colour scheme it has carried since 2011. The most obvious difference from the E22 is the nose - its predecessor ran a striking twin-tusk concept.
Lotus struggled last season with its finances and was one of the teams to threaten a boycott at the 2014 United States Grand Prix in protest at the uneven distribution of wealth. Last year it restructured its technical operation to ensure a return to form this season was possible.
Lotus CEO Matt Carter says the team is boosted by the arrival of Mercedes power and the hard lessons it learned over the past 12 months.
"The E23 Hybrid represents a new era for Lotus F1 Team, not only in the change to a Mercedes Benz Power Unit, but also it is the fruition of a busy winter behind the scenes," Carter said. "Improvements within our design, aero and simulation departments have all contributed to the development of a car which is a huge step forward. As a team we are confident that the new car coupled with additions to the race team will enable a huge leap forward and we are full of optimism going into the new season. It is time to put the disappointment of last season behind us and benefit from 12 months of hard work; we are ready to return to our rightful place at the pinnacle of the sport."
The team is yet to confirm its schedule for Romain Grosjean or Pastor Maldonado for the Jerez test which begins on February 1.
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