- Second Bahrain Test - Day One
Renault solution expected soon - Maldonado
Pastor Maldonado believes a solution to the ongoing problems with the Renault engine will come before the end of the second Bahrain test.
Lotus ended their day of testing early due to an exhaust issue, meaning they had to settle for just 31 laps. Maldonado, who has managed just 116 laps behind the wheel in pre-season, fully expects progress to be made over the next few days.
"We are not the only team who have the problems," Maldonado said. "People have the same problems related to the engines and we are trying to help them solve all of them. Soon we will have an answer from France. Renault are more clear on all the problems. They know them already and are working on all of them. They look very optimistic on having a clear answer soon.
"Hopefully tomorrow [we will have an answer] for me but we don't know for sure. They are testing, they are working very hard at the factory and here. We are lucky that we have four teams working, four teams who all have the same problem. This is very good and hopefully soon the answer will come.
Lotus decided to miss the opening test of pre-season in Jerez, meaning they were effectively playing catch-up last week in Bahrain, but Maldonado insists they would be in the same situation regardless.
"It was not a mistake [to miss Jerez]. Even Red Bull were not able to run out there, Toro Rosso as well. Twenty laps does not change anything. Two hundred might, but 20 does not. It doesn't change anything for the team performance. We must be confident. This is not the first car Lotus have built and it's not the first engine Renault have built."
While it is not ideal, Maldonado, who has one day of testing left, believes the team can make the most of the short turnaround they have until Melbourne.
"It must be enough. We don't have any more days. It is difficult to say. I hope for the best for the team but who knows if we will have problems in Australia."
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