#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Luca Moro (ITA)

#32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) 1. Free Practice #32 Position 7 (LMP2) Lap Time 1:55.961 (Liuzzi) #31 Position 11 (LMP2) Lap Time 1:57.217 (Holzer) 2. Free Practice #32 Position 7 (LMP2) Lap Time 1:54.292 (Rossiter) #31 Position 10 (LMP2) Lap Time 1:55.825 (Holzer)

Lotus was on track at the first day of the 6 Hours of Bahrain.

The circuit was very dirty in the first practice session because a lot of desert sand was blown onto the track. In the second session at night, all Lotus drivers completed the mandatory five laps that are necessary to be eligible for the race.

It was a good day for Lotus and the team could get a lot of data in preparation for the race.

Unfortunately, Mirco Schultis is not able to participate in the 6 Hours of Bahrain due to illness. Everybody in the team wishes him a speedy recovery and is looking forward to seeing him back in the car at Fuji.

Luca Moro, Race driver #31:

“I enjoyed being in the Lotus LMP2 car today in Bahrain. The track was very dirty and dusty because of the sand that is coming from the desert. It was tricky to drive but we fulfilled our program and completed the mandatory five laps at night, so we are eligible for the race. It is a shame that Mirco Schultis is not here this weekend, so it will be Thomas Holzer and me in the car. Best wishes to Mirco and I hope that he is getting better soon.”

James Rossiter, Race driver #32:

“Today we did some long runs and learnt a lot about the tyres. We will analyze the data and work on the strategy for the race. There is still room for improvement tomorrow and we will work hard to have a good result.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Luca Moro (ITA)

#32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA)

Race

#32 Position 6 (LMP2)

#31 Position 8 (LMP2)

Lotus showed a strong performance at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo and finished the race with both cars.

Vitantonio Liuzzi (#32) was starting the race and was fighting for positions with other cars. The Italian driver climbed up to third position, when he handed over the Lotus LMP2 to his team mate. After six hours, Liuzzi crossed the finish line in sixth position. Car #31 kept out of trouble during the race and finished in eigth position in LMP2 category.

The result does not represent the real performance Lotus was showing today. Car #32 lost valuable time in the garage after an unreasonable decision by the marshals regarding the headlights.

Nevertheless, Lotus is building on this great performance and is looking forward to the next round in Bahrain.

Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31:

“I am happy with today’s outcome of the race. Our car was running without any problems during the whole weekend and we were improving continuously. I want to thank to the whole team for the great job they did and I hope that we can tie on this performance in the next races.”

Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race driver #32:

“I am happy with our race performance today. We could have had a podium finish, but a decision made by the marshals ended our dreams. However, we proved that we can fight for the podium and this is what is important for us. We are going to Bahrain with a positive feeling and I am sure that we can have another strong performance.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Luca Moro (ITA)

#32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA)

Free Practice 3

#32 Position 4 (LMP2) Lap time 1:27.399 (Liuzzi)

#31 Position 10 (LMP2) Lap time 1:28.757 (Holzer)

Qualifying

#32 Position 5 (LMP2) Lap time 1:27.338 (Liuzzi)

#31 Position 10 (LMP2) Lap time 1:28.958 (Holzer)

Lotus showed a good performance in qualifying for the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo.

Vitantonio Liuzzi (#32) and Thomas Holzer (#31) qualified their Lotus LMP2 cars in fifth and tenth position respectively at today’s qualifying in Interlagos. The Italian was just three tenths off the pole position in LMP2 class, which is a good result for the team.

The track conditions have changed a lot compared to the practice in the morning and the track temperature was very high. Consequently, the balance of the car was different, so it was difficult to set a better lap time.

The race will start tomorrow at 12:00 o’clock local time.

Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31:

“We were concentrating on the race setup for the car, the qualifying result is not so important for us. The track has changed a lot compared to the morning session, so it was quite tricky to drive. It is going to be a long race tomorrow and a lot can happen.”

Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race driver #32:

“We didn’t bring out the best of the car today. We could not improve in the second part of the qualifying when the track was quicker because we used the tyres too much in the beginning. We could have done better, but we are just three tenths off of pole position in LMP2 category. It was my first qualifying and I will learn from this.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Luca Moro (ITA)

#32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA)

Free Practice 1

#32 Position 2 (LMP2) Lap time 1:28.951 (Liuzzi)

#31 Position 10 (LMP2) Lap time 1:31.187 (Holzer)

Free Practice 2

#32 Position 6 (LMP2) Lap time 1:28.234 (Rossiter)

#31 Position 10 (LMP2) Lap time 1:30.136 (Holzer)

Lotus was in action at the first day at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo.

The first practice took place under mixed weather conditions. In the beginning, it started to drizzle but the track dried up until the end of session. Vitantonio Liuzzi in car # 32 set the second best lap time in LMP2 class and ninth overall.

In the afternoon practice, it was dry most of the time and the programme was fulfilled entirely. James Rossiter (#32) was in position 6 in the LMP2 category and Thomas Holzer (#31) in position 10 respectively.

Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31:

“It was good to be back in the car and to get some mileage in Interlagos today. The car felt good and we could improve our lap times continuously. Unfortunately, there is a lot of traffic out there, so it is very important to be in the right place at the right time to set an ideal lap time. Now, we will analyze the collected data and work on the setup for the race. There is still room for improvement, but I am confident that we can have a good performance in the race.”

Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race driver #32:

“It was a positive day for us here in Interlagos and I am happy that I could do more laps in the Lotus LMP2. It was a good morning session for us and we were able to set the second best lap time of the LMP2 cars. The second practice was also good and we could try different settings on the car. I hope that we can improve tomorrow and have a good qualifying result.”

Lotus is ready for the second half of the inaugural season of the FIA World Endurance Championship that kicks off with the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo.

The Autodromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos is located between two large artificial lakes situated on the outskirts of Sao Paulo city. The 4,309 km lap is a physical challenge for the drivers, who have to race anti-clockwise. The high altitude of the track and the low air density will also make it difficult for the car and the drivers.

Like in Silverstone, Lotus will compete with two of its LMP2 cars. This time Thomas Holzer, Mirco Schultis and Luca Moro will run the black and gold coloured car number 31. Kevin Weeda, James Rossiter and Vitantonio Liuzzi will be at the wheel of car number 32.

The race starts on Saturday, 15th September 2012, at 12:00 o’clock local time.

Thomas Holzer, Race Driver #31:

“The Autodromo José Carlos Pace is another race track I have never driven before. But I was told it is a very challenging circuit for a driver because you race anti-clockwise and the surface is very bumpy. The hilly layout makes it even harder to stay focused until the end of the race. I am looking forward to the race in Brazil and I hope that we can make some further progress.”

Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race Driver #32:

“I know the track in Interlagos very well. It is a mix of medium and low speed corners and the second sector is very twisty. The circuit runs anti-clockwise and is very bumpy. These are the two factors why it is a very demanding layout for the drivers, especially for their necks. It is going to be a big challenge to stay focused throughout the stint. I am looking forward to the race and I hope to get some more track time.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Christijan Albers (NLD)

#32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA)

Race

#31 Position 12 (LMP2)

#32 stopped

Bad luck for Lotus at the 6 Hours of Silverstone.

The Lotus LMP2 car number 32 with start driver James Rossiter had to start from the pit lane and with one lap down into the race. Reason for this penalty was an engine change on Friday after the engine failed. Rossiter made up many positions, but had to bring the car to garage after the exhaust broke. His crew fixed the car again, but just a few laps later, Kevin Weeda had to stop the car after another engine failure.

Car number 31 finished the race in 12th position of the LMP2 class. Due to an unplanned service in the last lap it was not possible to have a better result.

Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31:

“Today, we got a lot of track experience and learnt a lot about the car. We had the race speed and we could do constant lap times. We are improving race by race and this is important for us. I am looking forward to the round in Sao Paulo and I hope that we can make another step into the right direction.”

James Rossiter, Race driver #32:

“It is a shame that we couldn’t finish the race after we experienced another engine failure. After we had to start from the pit lane, I was able to overtake a lot of cars and make up many positions. Suddenly, the exhaust broke and the engine wiring loom caught fire. There was a lot of smoke in the cockpit and I was not able to see anything. The mechanics could fix the car again and the engine failed again. It is just a weekend to forget.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Christijan Albers (NLD)

#32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA)

Free Practice 3

#32 Position 13 (LMP2) Lap time 1:52.745 (Liuzzi)

#31 Position 15 (LMP2) Lap time 1:54.850 (Albers)

Qualifying

#32 Position 7 (LMP2) Lap time 1:50.688 (Rossiter)

#31 Position 14 (LMP2) Lap time 1:53.349 (Holzer)

Lotus had a day without trouble today at the 6 Hours of Silverstone.

In the morning practice session, the team was able to fulfill the entire program in preparation for tomorrow’s race.

Under difficult conditions, James Rossiter, who is celebrating his birthday today, and Thomas Holzer qualified the Lotus LMP2 cars in 7th and 14th position in LMP2 class respectively.

The race start will be tomorrow at 12:00 hours local time.

Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31:

“It was difficult for me today under these conditions. The setup of the car was okay, but I have never driven in the wet. But I learnt a lot today and there is a lot of potential to have a good result tomorrow.”

James Rossiter, Race driver #32:

“I am happy with today’s qualifying result. The gap to the cars in front is not so big considering we lost 90 minutes track time yesterday. The track dried up during the qualifying session which made it also difficult to drive. I am confident that we can have a good race because the car feels good. I am looking forward to start my home race tomorrow.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Christijan Albers (NLD)

#32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA)

Free Practice 1

#32 Position 11 (LMP2) Lap time 1:54.342 (Rossiter)

#31 Position 14 (LMP2) Lap time 1:57.467 (Holzer)

Free Practice 2

#31 Position 13 (LMP2) Lap time 1:54.161 (Holzer)

#32 Position 15 (LMP2) Lap time 2:04.243 (Weeda)

Lotus was back on track today for the first and second practice session of the 6 Hours of Silverstone.

Luca Moro will miss the Silverstone weekend due to personal reasons. Dutchman and former Formula 1 driver Christijan Albers will replace him in car 31.

At the first day of the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the target was to collect as many information about the tyre wear as possible in preparation for Sunday’s race. The team is now analyzing the data and working on the setup for the next sessions.

Christijan Albers, Race driver #31:

“I was very happy when the team asked me if I want to join them for Silverstone. I didn’t have to think about it, for me it was clear to take this opportunity. It was great to be back in a race car and in the Lotus LMP2. I haven’t done any races the last two years but I felt comfortable in the car immediately. I hope that we will have a good weekend and I will support the team as much as I can.”

James Rossiter, Race driver #32:

“It was great to drive the Lotus LMP2 in front of my home crowd. It is going to be an exciting weekend because there is always a chance of rain. You never know what is going to happen. The first practice was okay for us. But it is a shame that we had to stop the car in the second practice session due to an engine failure. So we lost valuable track time that would have helped us to improve the car. But we are working hard to have a good result here in Silverstone.”

Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race driver #32:

“I enjoyed driving the Lotus LMP2 around the track today. Lap by lap, I got more used to the car. We had a good pace and we were improving. Due to the engine failure I couldn’t run in the afternoon session. But I hope that I can get more track time tomorrow and I am looking forward to the next days.”

Lotus is looking forward to its home race, the 6 Hours of Silverstone.

After a two-month break, the cars will be back in action for the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The race being held at the 5,901 kilometers long Silverstone Circuit, that is also known as the home of British motorsport, marks the final European round of the inaugural season of the FIA WEC before the teams will head to South America and Asia.

Lotus is going to field two of its LMP2 cars again and Vitantonio Liuzzi will be at the wheel of car 32 for the first time. The Italian will drive alongside American Kevin Weeda and Briton James Rossiter, who is looking forward to driving in front of his home crowd.

The race starts at 12:00 o’clock on Sunday, 26th August 2012.

Mirco Schultis, Race Driver #31:

“I have good memories of racing at the 6 Hours of Silverstone because last year, I was able to win the drivers’ championship in Formula Le Mans class. It will be nice to come here again and to compete with Lotus in LMP2 class. We have worked hard in the last weeks and we hope that, after the misfortune at Le Mans, we can show a good performance.”

James Rossiter, Race Driver #32:

“For me it is a real home race as I live close to Silverstone and I am very looking forward to driving in front of my home crowd. It makes me proud to represent the black and gold Lotus colours here and I am very excited about that. I hope that we can repeat the great qualifying result in Spa and that we will finish the race in a good position.”

Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race Driver #32:

“I am very happy to get the chance to drive at the 6 Hours of Silverstone. I know the track quite well from Formula 1 races in the past. But driving here in the Lotus LMP2 car will be different, for sure. I already got experienced with the car during some test days earlier this season and I can’t wait for my first race in the FIA World Endurance Championship. I want to thank Lotus for this great opportunity and I hope to have a good result in Silverstone.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Luca Moro (ITA)

Race

#31 Retire

Unfortunately, Lotus will not cross the finish line at the 80th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

After about half of the race, the car had to come back to the pits due to a gearbox failure. The crew tried for some hours to fix the car, but without success.

Until that time, the car was running good and without major problems. In between, Lotus was running 14th in LMP2 class.

The team is very disappointed about the retirement.

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Luca Moro (ITA)

Race Hour Nine

#31 Position 17 (LMP2)

Lotus had a good start into the 80th edition of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Thomas Holzer started the race and climbed up to 14th position.

After a good performance, he handed over the car to Mirco Schultis.

After a massive crash of two competitors, the safety car was deployed and Luca Moro was doing his laps at the Circuit des 24 Heures at that time. The Team used the long safety car period for a small pit stop service.

Lotus is currently running 17th in LMP2 class.

Now, the most exciting but also demanding part of the race has started, the night, when the drivers have to be extremely concentrated. But everyone at Lotus is trying hard to get through this difficult time.

Lotus LMP2 develops own sports car prototype

Lotus LMP2 is working with united forces in developing its own Lotus LMP car that will initially run in the LMP2 class. The next step will be the development of a new LMP1 car.

Kodewa, that is running two Lotus LMP2 cars in the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship, has ordered the development of the new chassis.

For teams that will be running the new Lotus LMP2 in the 2013 season for the first time, besides the support with spare parts at the race track, service packages for maintenance of spare parts will also be made available. Additionally, an engineering and simulation package will be offered to Lotus LMP2 customers.

The Lotus LMP2 will be a state of the art car in terms of aerodynamics and monocoque design, employing the latest designs and technologies.

The technical development is in the hands of Adess AG, a design office in Munich. The engineers of Advanced Design Engineering Systems Solutions AG bring a lot of experience from their work in Formula 1 and LMP1 sports cars. They work closely with James Key, one of the most successful Technical Directors in Formula 1 on cars design and specification.

Responsible for the stylistic elements and livery is once again Car Concept Designer Daniel Simon, a real futurist amongst car designers. Simon, who lives in Los Angeles, used to work as Senior Concept Designer with Bugatti and nowadays creates futuristic cars for Cosmic Motors, Tron Legacy and Prometheus in Hollywood. Daniel Simon designed the style-defining elements and graphics of the current Lotus LMP2.

The development of the new car is very well advanced with the latest CFD applications and with tests in the wind tunnel. Immediately after the season final of the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship the first shakedown is planned to take place.

View attachment: lotus-lmp2-front-2013.jpg

View attachment: lotus-lmp2-side-2013.jpg

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Luca Moro (ITA)

Qualifying Session 2

#31 no lap time

Qualifying Session 3

#31 Position 17 (LMP2) Lap time 3:45.664 (Holzer)

Mixed fortunes for Lotus at the second day of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In the second qualifying, Luca Moro had to stop the car on his out lap immediately after the start of the session because of an engine failure. The mechanics did an incredible job and managed to change the engine in less than 50 minutes.

The Lotus LMP2 car was ready for the third and final qualifying and the drivers got more track time. All in all, it was a decent qualifying result for the team that is now looking forward to the race and hoping to finish in a good position.

Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31:

“It was a good third qualifying today and I was able to improve lap by lap. It is a shame that we were not running in second qualifying and we lost valuable time out on track. Maybe we could have done better, but it is just qualifying, what counts is the race. A big thank you to the mechanics which did an unbelievable job by changing the engine in record time.”

Mirco Schultis, Race driver #31:

“First of all, I would like to thank the mechanics who did a great job today. It is a shame that we could not run in second qualifying and we lost important track time. It will be a long race and everything is possible, I am looking forward to it.”

Luca Moro, Race driver #31:

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t run in the second qualifying session due to an engine failure. But the mechanics worked very fast and managed to fix the car for the third qualifying. After that, we did not take any risk and did some laps to make sure that the car is okay.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Luca Moro (ITA)

Free Practice

#31 Position 18 (LMP2) Lap time 3:47.061 (Holzer)

Qualifying Session 1

#31 Position 16 (LMP2) Lap time 3:48.067(Holzer)

Lotus LMP2 successfully completed its first day at the 80th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Thomas Holzer, Mirco Schultis and Luca Moro added more valuable mileage, a total of 980 kilometres, on the team’s tally and fulfilled the requirements to run a minimum of five laps at night at the Circuit des 24 Heures.

The team was testing the different tyre compounds in order to learn about the tyre wear. Another target of the day was to see how the car and tyres behave at night and to find the right set-up for the qualifying next sessions and the race.

Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31:

“We are pleased about today’s outcome. We achieved what we wanted, to complete the necessary five laps at night. It is my first time at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and didn’t run here before apart from the test day prior to the race. It takes some laps until you are acquainted with the track and adapt to the circumstances. Tomorrow, there will be two more sessions, but qualifying is not so important here because the race lasts 24 long hours.”

Mirco Schultis, Race driver #31:

“I got experienced to the track today step by step. Driving at night is completely different here, but amazing. I am very proud to be able to race at this legendary race having fulfilled the requirements running five laps at night. I hope to improve tomorrow and I am looking forward to the next sessions.”

Luca Moro, Race driver #31:

“It is my first time at Le Mans and I am happy to be here. I completed the mandatory five laps at night, so I am allowed to race. It is good fun to drive at night, but also quite demanding because it is quite dark at the track. There is still some room for improvement and I hope that tomorrow’s qualifying will be better.”

Lotus is looking forward to the biggest race on the calendar of the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The legendary endurance race is one of the greatest racing spectacles in the world and will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year. Participating in the classic of sports car racing is a highlight for everyone and Lotus is proud to bring the legendary black and gold livery back to this historical event.

At the obligatory test day prior to the race, Lotus was running with its LMP2 car and the drivers got a first impression of the 13,629 km long race track.

The team is well prepared for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and eager to show a good performance at its debut at the Sarthe.

The event kicks off on Wednesday, 13th June with free practice and the first qualifying session. A further two qualifying sessions will follow the next day. The race gets underway at 3:00 pm on Saturday, 16th June.

Thomas Holzer, Race Driver #31:

“I am looking forward to being at Le Mans! It will be a new adventure for me. The atmosphere is unique and driving in front of the crowd must be amazing, especially at night. After the race in Spa, where we couldn’t show our real potential, we want to prove that we can have good results. The biggest challenge for every team and driver will be to balance to do constantly quick lap times and the ability to run 24 hours and to take no risks. But we are working hard and I am sure that we can show a strong performance.”

Mirco Schultis, Race Driver #31:

“I am happy to drive for Lotus at Le Mans and I am very looking forward to being at the wheel of the Lotus LMP2. I did not participate in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans before, but it is an event that everybody wants to be part of it. Even if I was doing many 24 hours races like Daytona, it is something very special to start in Le Mans. It is the legendary race and you can’t compare it with another race. During the test day, I already got some valuable mileage and made some acquaintance with the track. I hope that we will have a good result and we are working hard for that.”

Luca Moro, Race Driver #31:

“I was at the Le Mans test day some years ago but I have never race in the legendary 24 hours race of Le Mans. It is very exciting to be part of it and it is a great to compete with Lotus. It will be a great feeling driving the LMP2 car around the track and I think it is going to be a strong competition in this class during the race. I hope that we will finish in a good position and I am very looking forward to it.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Renger van der Zande (NED)

#32 Luca Moro (ITA) – Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR)

Race

#32 Position 11 (LMP2)

#31 Did not finish

Lotus has experienced highs and lows during the 6 Hours of Spa.

After an engine change, car #32 got a penalty which meant that James Rossiter had to start from the pit lane with one lap down. Especially after the great result in yesterday’s qualifying this was a real shame for the team. Rossiter made his way through the field and went up to 6th position in LMP2 class. However, the Lotus LMP2 #32 needed to be repaired after an accident and lost some positions. The car finished the race in position 11 of the LMP2s.

Car #31 was 5th in between but did not finish the race after a crash one hour before the end.

Lotus has shown a good performance all over the weekend and has proved that the team is competitive. The crew has learned a lot from the incidents during the race. The team managed these situations very well and repaired the damages very quick.

Renger van der Zande, Race Driver #31:

“It is a real shame that we could not finish the race. Being hit from behind is hard to prevent. The pace was very good until then. There is still some improvement on all areas but the base is there. It was a weekend to learn from for the next races.”

James Rossiter, Race Driver #32:

“It is a real shame that we had to start from the pit lane and were one lap down already from the start on after the engine change. We tried to stay out as long as possible, so I did three stints in order to gain some positions. We managed to unlap ourselves again and were in 6th position. It was a good run for us. Unfortunately, we couldn’t show our potential after we got the penalty, but we learned a lot as a team and I am sure that we will have a great future.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Renger van der Zande (NED)

#32 Luca Moro (ITA) – Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR)

Practice 3

#32 Position 3 (LMP2) Position 12 (Overall) Lap time 2:10.168 (Rossiter)

#31 Position 15 (LMP2) Position 25 (Overall) Lap time 2:16.574 (Schultis)

Qualifying

#32 Position 2 (LMP2) Position 12 (Overall) Lap time 2:09.34 (Rossiter)

#31 Position 5 (LMP2) Position 15 (Overall) Lap time 2:10.120 (v. d. Zande)

Lotus kept on improving at today’s third practice session and qualifying at the 6 hours of Spa.

James Rossiter qualified the Lotus LMP2 car #32 in the front row of the LMP2 class, just four hundredths behind pole position. Renger van der Zande in car #31 will start from position five.

This is a phantastic result for Lotus at its only second race in sports car racing.

The 6 hours of Spa will start tomorrow at 2:30 pm.

Renger van der Zande, Race Driver #31:

“We can be happy with P5 in qualifying. With a bit more track time this morning we could have improved, there is room for more progression of the car and driving. I am happy now and let’s see what we can do tomorrow. I will be starting the race for Lotus and with 42 cars it will be interesting to see what happens at the first hairpin. I will try to stay out of trouble and do a good race.”

James Rossiter, Race Driver #32:

“We had a great qualifying session and the car was set up perfectly. It is great to be on the front row with Lotus. We did a lot of hard work and it was worth it. I hope that we will have a great race tomorrow and I can’t wait for the start. Being in the front row is a real bonus for us especially at the start of the race. Six hours can be long so we will see what happens.”

#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) – Renger van der Zande (NED)

#32 Luca Moro (ITA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Kevin Weeda (USA)

Practice 1

#32 Position 14 (overall) Position 6 (LMP2) Lap time 2:11.340 (Rossiter)

#31 Position 26 (overall) Position 16 (LMP2) Lap time 2:16.779 (Holzer)

Practice 2

#31 Position 10 (overall) Position 2 (LMP2) Lap time 2:10.407 (v. d. Zande)

#32 Position 26 (overall) Position 16 (LMP2) Lap time 2:18.559 (Moro)

At the first day of the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, Lotus run with two cars for the very first time. The event is the first of three European races and the rehearsal for the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Both cars could do many laps and were running trouble free. Lotus showed a good performance being second in LMP2 class at the second practice session.

Renger van der Zande, Race Driver #31:

“I am happy to drive for Lotus and I am very looking forward to being at the wheel of the Lotus LMP2. It was good for me today to get some valuable mileage and to get used to the car. It is a great result being second in LMP2 class and nice to see that we have a competitive car. We will now go through the data and work on the setup for the next sessions, I am sure there is more to come. I hope that we will have a good result here and we are working hard for that.”

James Rossiter, Race Driver #32:

“It was a good first day for us and we could learn a lot for the race on Saturday. We fulfilled our program and got a lot of data during both sessions. The weather is quite unpredictable in the Ardennes and it can start to rain here any minute so we have to be prepared for all conditions. I can’t wait to race for Lotus at the 6 Hours of Spa and we are working hard to have a good result.”

After the successful first appearance at the inaugural event of FIA WEC in Sebring, Lotus is set to contest the next round in Belgium with two cars.

American Kevin Weeda and Briton James Rossiter will join the team and race alongside Thomas Holzer, Mirco Schultis and Luca Moro in Spa.

Kevin Weeda was recently contesting in the 2012 Gulf 12 Hours being held at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. He was also racing historic Ferrari Formula One cars at the Ferrari Historic Challenge and in European and American Radical Masters, where he won the race in Laguna Seca in 2011.

James Rossiter was test and development driver for Honda and Super Aguri in Formula One between 2005 and 2008. He was also contesting in American Le Mans Series in 2008. Last year, the Briton was participating in the 1000 km race of Spa and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Lotus Evora GTE.

Lotus is looking forward to the 6 Hours of Spa where the team is going to field two prototypes for the very first time. The event will take place on Saturday, 5th May 2012.

Kevin Weeda:

“It is an honour and a privilege to be racing with Lotus this year in the inaugural season of the FIA WEC. It’s incredible to be involved with a team as iconic as Lotus and to work with such an experienced crew. I am also fortunate to have an opportunity to co-drive with my friend James Rossiter and I am excited about running the Lotus LMP2 for the first time. I am looking forward to our test at Paul Ricard and the race at the historic Spa circuit.”

James Rossiter:

“I feel very honoured to be part of Lotus again and to race for the team in FIA WEC this year. It is great for my career to be back racing in LMP2 class. Representing the legendary Lotus colours means a lot to me and I hope that we will have good results. I would especially like to thank Kevin Weeda for making this opportunity a reality.”

Race Position 10 (FIA WEC) Lap time 1:54.474 (Thomas Holzer)

Position 6 (LMP2 class)

The newly-created FIA World Endurance Championship started off with the first race of the season today. Lotus finished the finished the race in 10th position in the overall classification and in 6th position in the LMP2 classification.

It was an impressing day for the team that has made a great effort achieve this good result. Thomas Holzer, Mirco Schultis and Luca Moro performed well in the car and managed to bring it to the finish.

Thomas Holzer, Race Driver #31:

“It was an amazing feeling to start and finish the race for Lotus at the first round of WEC. Racing at the 12 Hours of Sebring means a lot to me and I am happy to be part of it this year. Thanks to the whole team for the great job they did the last days so that we could achieve this great result.”

Mirco Schultis, Race Driver #31:

“It was a tough race and very difficult to drive when the sun set down. I enjoyed racing though and it is a great result for the whole. It was great to participate in the first race of WEC and I am looking forward to work with the team this season.”

Luca Moro, Race Driver #31:

“The atmosphere in Sebring is unique, especially when you are racing at night. You have to be fully concentrated until the end of the race. I am happy that we finished the race in 10th position in the overall classification and in 6th position in the LMP2 classification. It is a great result for the team and I want to say thank you that I can be part of it.”

Practice 4 Position 14 Lap time 1:54.407 (Thomas Holzer)

Qualifying LMP2 Position 10 Lap time 1:53.080 (Thomas Holzer)

The first qualifying of the new FIA World Endurance Championship was underway today at Sebring International Raceway.

Lotus LMP2 qualified 10th in LMP2 category with Thomas Holzer at the wheel of the Lotus Lola B12/80 Coupe. The young German will also be the one who will start the first ever race of WEC.

The team has fulfilled its programme during the test sessions and made good progress during the week. Lotus LMP2 is looking forward to the race and wants to show another good performance.

Thomas Holzer, Race Driver #31:

“It was a great honour for me to participate in the first ever qualifying for Lotus LMP2 in WEC. Already in the practice this morning I had a good feeling in the car. We improved during all the sessions and I am looking forward to the race tomorrow. It is going to be very exciting to start the race for the team.”

Mirco Schultis, Race Driver #31:

“It is a great day for Lotus LMP2 having qualified 10th in the first event of WEC. The car got quicker during every session and in the cockpit you could feel the progress. I am really looking forward to participating in the 12 Hours of Sebring tomorrow and I am sure that we will perform well.”

Luca Moro, Race Driver #31:

“It is great fun to drive for Lotus LMP2 and I can’t wait to race here in Sebring again. Compared to the first test sessions we had at the beginning of this week the car improved and we could pick up speed. I am positive about our performance during the race and I hope that we will achieve a good result.

The 12 hours race will take place on 17th March and is ranked among the classics in sports car racing. The team was also participating in the testing days that took place prior to the main event in Sebring on Monday and Tuesday. After the successful tests Lotus LMP2 is eager to show a good performance at its debut in endurance racing.

Thomas Holzer, Race Driver #31:

“I feel very honoured to be part of Lotus LMP2 and I am looking forward to racing in WEC this year. At the two days of testing we had this week I got more used to the car. The circuit here is quite bumpy and a mixture of quick and slow corners. I have never raced in Sebring before but I was told that the atmosphere is going to be very special with all the fans around the track. I can’t wait for the start of the race.”

Mirco Schultis, Race Driver #31:

“It is my first race here in Sebring and I only watched it on television before. There will be a lot of traffic with more than 60 cars on track. During the testing days I got more experience in the car and we could learn how the car behaves on this race circuit. Now we will work on the setup to be prepared for the upcoming test sessions. I am proud to compete with Lotus LMP2 this year and I am sure it is going to be an exciting first season in WEC.”

Luca Moro, Race Driver #31:

“I am happy to race with Lotus LMP2 this year. I have already raced two times in Sebring and the atmosphere is awesome. It is a physically demanding circuit because it is very bumpy, and that makes it also difficult to drive. At the testing days we could get some mileage and gained a lot of data that will help us to prepare the car for the race.”

German Thomas Holzer was racing in different Formula 3 series and was competing in the ADAC GT Masters recently. His fellow countryman Mirco Schultis, 2011 LMS LMPC Champion, gained a lot of experience in different endurance races like the 24 Hours of Daytona, Dubai and Nurburgring. Italian Luca Moro can look back on racing many years in FIA GT Championships but also in sports cars series like Formula Le Mans and American Le Mans Series.

The team is happy to have Thomas, Mirco and Luca on board for the first season in FIA WEC and is eager to become a real challenger in this exciting and competitive new series.

The season kicks off with the race in Sebring on 17th March.

Competing under the team name Lotus with a Lotus engine housed in a brand new Lola LMP2 coupe the team will contend the 2012 FIA WEC which kicks off in Sebring on March 17th. The team of Kodewa, which is running the programme, comprises of experts with a vast pedigree in not only endurance racing but also F1, DTM and lower formulas.

The car will be compliant with the latest regulations set out by the ACO/FIA and will run with a traditional Lotus black and gold livery in a very special design, more details on this and testing plans to follow in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the announcement Group Lotus Director of Motorsport Claudio Berro said: “This is a very exciting step for us, we made no secret of our intention to tackle LMP2 this year but it had to be done in the right way and we’re very happy with the set up with our partners. More than anything else, we’re looking forward to our return to Le Mans in this capacity after our success with the Evora last year. The engine development is going well but there’s a lot to do over the coming weeks to ensure that the car is prepared for the intensive testing that we must undertake to ensure we’re ready to complete.”

Further details regarding the car unveiling and driver participation will be confirmed shortly.