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Lotus's problem a lack of time - Trulli

Heikki Kovalainen has enjoyed a more trouble-free start than team-mate Jarno Trulli © Getty Images

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• Drivers:
• Heikki Kovalainen
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• Jarno Trulli

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• Team Lotus

Jarno Trulli has spoken of his frustration at the early-season unreliability of his new Lotus after failing to complete two of the four grands prix and being at the back of the field in the other two.

"I knew that it wouldn't be easy, that everything would be new and we would need time," he told Autosprint magazine. "I had expected at least to drive. Instead, after four races I did not start once and when I got to the finish, it was because it was decided I should take the chequered flag but in far from ideal conditions.

His poor start to the year is in contrast to team-mate Heikki Kovalainen whose performances have been well received. "Bad luck seems to persevere on my car, everything happens on my car and my car only," Trulli said. "So, to this day, my expectations have not been met. I knew it would be tough, but I practically haven't driven yet. I'll pass judgement at the end of the year."

Despite his own difficulties, Trulli was keen to stress Lotus was the best of the three newcomers. "We operate like a real team in the top series, but unfortunately we are only at 10% of our potential because of lack of time. There's no testing, and the racing weekend is the only chance to test and oil the structure. For us this is our apprenticeship year.

The thing Lotus has lacked is time, the main culprit for our difficulties. Had we had time to program everything more in advance, we would have better prepared the structure, the car, the gearbox, our hydraulics system and everything you need to start well. All this work is being done now, race after race."

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