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Torrential rain calls a halt to the race on day 3 at Mount Fuji #31 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR)- Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) #32 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Dominik Kraihamer (AUT) – Jan Charouz (CZ) The race at the Mount Fuji was started twice behind the safety car but eventually suspended and stopped due to heavy rain and atrocious weather conditions. Lotus Praga Team would have largely preferred to give the public a reward for coming to support them. Unfortunately an hour before the regular end of the race time it was decided to not re-start the race. Lotus Praga LMP2's race strategy was playing out well at that tiime as they were the only LMP2 car one pitstop ahead of all others. The Lotus Praga Team is looking forward to the next round in Shanghai and hoping that they can replicate last year's pole position. -
#31 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Christophe Bouchut (FRA) #32 Thomas Holzer (DEU) – Dominik Kraihamer (AUT) – Jan Charouz (CZE) Race #31 retired #32 retired Lotus Praga LMP2 was at the start of the 90th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Christophe Bouchut was the start driver for car #31 and made up some position in the first laps. Thomas Holzer was at the wheel of #32 for the start and was on a good pace. After about two hours into the race, Kevin Weeda in car #31 spun and had to stop the car at the track. During the night, Dominik Kraihamer (#32) did very good laps and set good and constant lap times after an Audi made contact with him. A failure on the bellhousing consequently caused damages on the fitted auxiliaries and forced the team to retire. Lotus Praga LMP2 showed a good performance at its only second start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and with the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2. The team showed a great effort and was working hard during the whole week. Christophe Bouchut, Race Driver #31: “It’s a shame that we had to retire. I would have preferred to finish my 20th race at Le Mans, but that’s racing. We had a good pace during the week and the car has got a lot of potential. I would like to thank the team for their great job.” Thomas Holzer, Race Driver #32: “We had to retire this morning. Nevertheless, we had a good car and we were on a good pace. It’s a shame we didn’t cross the finish line. But we will keep on working hard and fight back at the next races.” -
Getting ready for the race and looking forward to representing the black and gold colours on the legendary circuit. #31 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Christophe Bouchut (FRA) #32 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Dominik Kraihamer (AUT) – Jan Charouz (CZE) Qualifying 2 #32 Position 9 (LMP2) Lap time 4:12.327 #31 no time Qualifying 3 #32 Position 15 (LMP2) Lap time 3:46.490 #31 Position 16 (LMP2) Lap time 3:47.920 Lotus Praga LMP2 hit the track on the second day of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Thomas Holzer, Dominik Kraihamer and Jan Charouz in car #32 will start from position 15. Kevin Weeda, James Rossiter and Christophe Bouchut (#31) qualified 16th for the legendary endurance race. There have been a lot of red flag periods during all qualifying sessions which didn’t make it easy. The weather has also played an important role in finding the right timing to go out on track. Due to heavy rain showers before the start of the second qualifying, it was quite tricky to drive at the Circuit des 24 Heures. The track was still damp during the third and final qualifying, but dried up until the end of the session. Lotus Praga LMP2 is now getting ready for the race and looking forward to representing the black and gold colours on the legendary circuit. The race will start on Saturday, 22nd June, at 15:00 hours local time. Christophe Bouchut, Race Driver #31: “We had good practice sessions and the car has a big potential. It is always a special feeling to race at night and also quite challenging for the driver. At Le Mans, racing at night is simply amazing. I know this circuit quite well and I am very looking forward to the start of my 20th race at Le Mans.” Thomas Holzer, Race Driver #32: “It was great to be back at Le Mans and driving the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2. We have made another step forward and I am quite happy with the car. I think that we can have a good race and I am very confident. It is going to be a long race and I am looking forward to fighting with our competitors.” -
#31 Kevin Weeda (USA) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) – James Rossiter (GBR) #32 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Dominik Kraihamer (AUT) – Jan Charouz (CZE) Race #32 Position 7 (LMP2) #31 Position 8 (LMP2) Lotus Praga LMP2 finished the 6 Hours of Spa with two cars at its second race with the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2. Thomas Holzer, Dominik Kraihamer and Jan Charouz in car #32 ended up in seventh position in LMP2 class. Kevin Weeda, Vitantonio Liuzzi and James Rossiter in car #31 finished the race in eighth position. Both cars suffered alternator problems and had to return to the garage. Lotus fixed the problems successfully and afterwards, the cars were running until the end of the race. Without these issues, Lotus could have had a better result. Nevertheless, the team is pleased about today’s outcome and was able to collect a lot of important information for the next races. James Rossiter, Race Driver #31: “We are happy about the result and to finish the race with both cars. It was important to get a lot of mileage and to drive until the end. It was a big step forward and we will build on this result to get ready for the next races.” Dominik Kraihamer, Race Driver #32: “We finished the race with both cars and we are very happy about it. We improved the car during the weekend and collected a lot of information about the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2. The team did an incredible job and I would like to thank all of them to make this possible.” -
Lotus Praga LMP2 is heading for Belgium for the second race of the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship. The venue for the 6 Hours of Spa is the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps located in the Belgian Ardennes. The track is 7,004 km in length and one of the longest and most demanding on the calendar. Almost every race driver counts the circuit among his favourite because of its challenging layout and the famous “Eau Rouge” curve. Lotus is confident that the team will show a good performance in Belgium. The event at Spa will serve as a rehearsal for the biggest race on the calendar, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Spa will be James Rossiter’s first race with the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2. The Briton will drive alongside Kevin Weeda and Vitantonio Liuzzi in #31. The driver line up for #32 remains unchanged with Thomas Holzer, Dominik Kraihamer and Jan Charouz behind the wheel. The event at Spa will kick off with two practice sessions and qualifying on Friday, 03rd May. Race start is on Saturday, 04th May at 14:30 hours local time. James Rossiter, Race Driver #31: “I am really excited to be back in FIA WEC this weekend with Lotus and to race the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2 for the first time. We have a lot of work still to do on our new car but the potential is there. I am really looking forward to the challenge in LMP2 class this year and can't wait to get on track.” Jan Charouz, Race Driver #32: “I am looking forward to the 6 Hours of Spa. The circuit is one of my favourite tracks, so I can’t wait to race there with the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2. I hope the experience we gained with the car in Silverstone will move us forward, so that we can have strong results in the future.” -
Lotus Praga LMP2 is looking forward to the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship that kicks off with the 6 Hours of Silverstone this week. The team will contest the opening event of the 2013 season with two new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2. The 5,900 kilometer long Silverstone Circuit will be the first venue where the new Lotus T128 will have its first appearance under race conditions. After some test days, the new sports car, which was built in accordance with the latest 2014 regulations, has impressed with its streamlined design and competitive lap times. Kevin Weeda and Vitantonio Liuzzi will be at the wheel of the Lotus Praga T128 #31. As Lotus Praga LMP2 regular James Rossiter will be on duty racing in Japan at the same weekend, he will be replaced by Frenchman Christophe Bouchut. With 19 participations at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, Bouchut has gained a lot of experience in different sports cars and counts among the endurance specialists. The Lotus Praga T128 #32 will be run by Thomas Holzer, Dominik Kraihamer and Jan Charouz throughout the season. The 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship starts with the 6 Hours race at Silverstone on Sunday, 14th April at 12:00 hours local time. Christophe Bouchut, Race Driver #31: “After working four years in the ALMS championship and having won the last two titles, this is another great opportunity for me to work with Lotus this year. Participating in the first race of the Lotus T128 and the opening event of the FIA WEC at Silverstone is simply fantastic. This championship is the reference of the endurance races and since 2012, my goal was to participate. Everyone at Lotus is extremely professional and there is a friendly atmosphere, what I really appreciate. I am very lucky to share the wheel with such good team mates as Tonio Liuzzi and Kevin Weeda with whom we will do a very good job, I am sure. I can’t wait to be at Silverstone driving the Lotus T128.” Dominik Kraihamer, Race Driver #32: “I am looking forward to my first race with Lotus. After a long winter, it is great to be back at the race track and to get the maximum of motivation and determination out of somebody. It will be a challenge to develop and work on the set up of the new car, but this is really interesting for me. I get on well with everybody in the team and also with the other race drivers of the team, which is an important factor for a successful collaboration throughout the season. I am very proud to get the chance to work with them. I am looking forward to racing at Silverstone and doing my first laps with the new Lotus T128.” -
Lotus Lmp2 In Fia World Endurance Championship And The 24 Hours Of Le
Mark H posted a news article in Lotus LMP2
Lotus will race with two cars in the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest have announced the competitors for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans at today’s press conference in Paris. Lotus got two entries for the FIA WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans to run with the new Lotus T128 in LMP2 class. In its inaugural season in 2012, the FIA WEC has gained a lot of attention all over the world. The 2013 calendar comprises eight races on four continents on legendary circuits like Fuji, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. But the sports cars will also run on new tracks like the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Without a doubt, the ultimate highlight for all drivers and teams will be the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only 55 cars are allowed to take part in the legendary endurance classic at the Sarthe and every single grid spot is highly coveted. As a consequence, Lotus is very happy that the ACO complied with the team’s desire to participate with two Lotus T128. It was also announced today that Briton James Rossiter and Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi will stay with the team and drive alongside American Kevin Weeda. The crew already impressed with good results in the previous season and with the Pole Position in class at the 6 Hours of Shanghai. German Thomas Holzer will lead the lineup of the sister car. -
#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) #32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) Free Practice 1 #32 Position 9 (LMP2) Lap time 1:37.780 (Holzer) #31 no time Free Practice 1 #32 Position 4 (LMP2) Lap time 1:33.415 (Liuzzi) #31 Position 10 (LMP2) Lap time 1:35.756 (Holzer) The 6 Hours of Fuji saw the first practice sessions at the foot of Mount Fuji today. After a difficult start to the weekend, Lotus turned the corner and completed the second session successfully. In the morning, car #32 had some problems with the gearbox. The team was able to fix the Lotus LMP2 and was ready for the second practice. The afternoon session was better for Lotus. Kevin Weeda, James Rossiter and Vitantonio Liuzzi completed a total of 25 laps in car #32. Thomas Holzer and Mirco Schultis in car #31 added 30 laps to the team’s tally. Luca Moro will not be racing in Fuji because of private reasons, so Thomas Holzer and Mirco Schultis will share the cockpit of car #31 this weekend. Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31: “It was a difficult day for us because we had problems with the brakes in the first practice. It was better in the afternoon and we could do 30 laps. Now, we will get ready for tomorrow and will use the third practice to collect more data to find the right race setup.” Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race driver #32: “We could only do two laps in the morning because of a problem with the gearbox. The mechanics could fix the car for the second practice and we were able to get some mileage. We will now work on the setup of the car in order to close the small gap to our competitors in front of us. All in all, it was not a bad day for us.” -
#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) #32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) Free Practice 1 #32 Position 9 (LMP2) Lap time 1:37.780 (Holzer) #31 no time Free Practice 1 #32 Position 4 (LMP2) Lap time 1:33.415 (Liuzzi) #31 Position 10 (LMP2) Lap time 1:35.756 (Holzer) The 6 Hours of Fuji saw the first practice sessions at the foot of Mount Fuji today. After a difficult start to the weekend, Lotus turned the corner and completed the second session successfully. In the morning, car #32 had some problems with the gearbox. The team was able to fix the Lotus LMP2 and was ready for the second practice. The afternoon session was better for Lotus. Kevin Weeda, James Rossiter and Vitantonio Liuzzi completed a total of 25 laps in car #32. Thomas Holzer and Mirco Schultis in car #31 added 30 laps to the team’s tally. Luca Moro will not be racing in Fuji because of private reasons, so Thomas Holzer and Mirco Schultis will share the cockpit of car #31 this weekend. Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31: “It was a difficult day for us because we had problems with the brakes in the first practice. It was better in the afternoon and we could do 30 laps. Now, we will get ready for tomorrow and will use the third practice to collect more data to find the right race setup.” Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race driver #32: “We could only do two laps in the morning because of a problem with the gearbox. The mechanics could fix the car for the second practice and we were able to get some mileage. We will now work on the setup of the car in order to close the small gap to our competitors in front of us. All in all, it was not a bad day for us.” -
After the great result in the desert of Bahrain, Lotus is looking ahead to the 6 Hours of Fuji. In the events before, the team has proved that it is able to fight for the podium. Lotus wants to build on the success and is coming with high hopes to the land of the rising sun. Once again the target will be to finish the race on the podium. Mirco Schultis will be back in car #31 after he missed the round in Bahrain due to illness. He will drive alongside Thomas Holzer and Luca Moro. The driver’s line up for car #32 remains unchanged with Kevin Weeda, James Rossiter and Vitantonio Liuzzi at the wheel. The race at the foot on Mount Fuji starts on Sunday, 14th October 2012, at 11:00 hours local time. Mirco Schultis, Race Driver #31: “I am happy that I will be back in the car in Fuji. Unfortunately, I was not able to race in Bahrain because I was ill. But I am fully recovered and I am looking forward to being back in action in Japan. I hope that we can keep on progressing and that we can show another good performance.” Kevin Weeda, Race Driver #32: “I am looking forward to racing in Fuji. It has got a long straight, one of the longest in motorsport, but also parts that are very slow and twisty. It is located at the bottom of Mount Fuji and it is a nice setting for the seventh round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. After the great race in Bahrain, we hope that we can tie on this success and have another good weekend. After my teammates and I had stints leading the race in Bahrain, we are now motivated more than ever to finish on the podium soon.” -
#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Luca Moro (ITA) #32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) Race #32 Position 4 (LMP2) Position 9 (Overall) #31 retired Great race for Lotus at the 6 Hours of Bahrain. The team showed a strong and impressive performance and achieved its best race result of the season so far. Car #32 finished the race in fourth position, just about 30 seconds off from the second place. Kevin Weeda, James Rossiter and Vitantonio Liuzzi did solid runs and were fighting for the podium. The black and gold livered Lotus LMP2 car #32 was even leading its class in the race. Car #31 had to retire because of a broken rear suspension. Luca Moro spun into the gravel and as a result, the suspension of the car was irreparably damaged. With the great result of car #32, Lotus is going to the next race with a positive feeling. Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31: “It is a shame that we had to retire due to a broken suspension on the rear. Until then, we had a good race and we could make up for some positions. It was very hot in the car at the beginning of the race, so it was very demanding to drive. We will now focus on the next round in Japan and I hope that we will have a better result there.” James Rossiter, Race driver #32: “It was a good race for us. It was the most physically demanding race I have ever done. I really enjoyed starting the race and getting into the lead in LMP2 class. I hope we will have a podium finish in one of the next rounds.” -
#31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Luca Moro (ITA) #32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) Free Practice 3 #32 Position 3 (LMP2) Lap time 1:53.561 (Rossiter) #31 Position 9 (LMP2) Lap time 1:55.251 (Holzer) Qualifying #32 Position 6 (LMP2) Lap time 1:52.696 (Rossiter) #31 Position 8 (LMP2) Lap time 1:53.733 (Holzer) Lotus qualified sixth and eight for the 6 Hours of Bahrain. The balance of the Lotus LMP2 car is good and the team is well prepared to show a good performance in the result. It was a close fight in LMP2 class with three cars within one tenth of a second. With a bit more luck, a better result was within reach for James Rossiter in car #32. Thomas Holzer in car #31 impressed and showed his best qualifying of the season so far. The race starts tomorrow at 16:00 hours local time and finishes at night at 22:00 hours. Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31: “I am very happy about today’s qualifying result. We showed a good performance and I was just one second off my team mate in the sister car. This is a big improvement for us. It is going to be a long and tough race tomorrow, but I am looking forward to it.” James Rossiter, Race driver #32: “The third practice was good. We changed the setup of the car over night and it was better than yesterday. In qualifying, the track conditions have changed as the track temperature was lower than in the morning. It is a shame because we are just one tenth off of the third starting position. It is very close in LMP2 class and I hope that we can have a better race tomorrow.” -
#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.”