• Belgian Grand Prix - FP2

Lotus opts not to run DDRS at Spa

ESPN Staff
August 31, 2012 « Hamilton anticipating 'challenging' final practice | McLaren able to complete useful work despite rain »
Lotus did not get the chance to test its new device during Friday practice © Sutton Images
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Lotus has decided not to run its double DRS at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend after wet weather prevented the team testing the system on Friday.

Lotus has run tests with the DDRS device at the last two Friday practice sessions, but rain at Spa-Francorchamps curtailed its development programme this weekend. The system is designed to improve straight-line speed, but technical director James Allison said he did not want to risk running the device without the opportunity to test it properly first.

"The forecast for the next two days is for dry and warmer weather so running today was not very useful in terms of preparing for qualifying or the race," he said. "Today's rain also prevented us from seeing how the 'Device' would perform in the expected race conditions.

"With discretion being the better part of valour we will conduct P3 tomorrow with a conventional aero package rather than attempting to squeeze Friday's intended evaluation into the precious final practice session. On the plus side we learned today that the cars are working fine and we're happy to end the day with no damage from running in these difficult conditions."

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