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  1. 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.
  2. #31 Kevin Weeda (USA) – Christophe Bouchut (FRA) #32 Thomas Holzer (DEU) – Dominik Kraihamer (AUT) – Jan Charouz (CZE) After a two-month break, Lotus Praga LMP2 was back in action at the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship in Sao Paulo. The weekend started off very promising during both free practice sessions on Friday. The team completed a total of 78 laps on the 4,309 kilometer long circuit in Interlagos. The target in both sessions was to collect data about the different tyre compounds in preparation for the race. Thomas Holzer (Driver #32) commented: “We were running trouble free on Friday and were able to do many laps. We could improve the car and the setup continuously and I was quite happy with the balance of the car.” In the third and final free practice before qualifying, Lotus Praga LMP2 continued its upwards trend and improved its lap times. The hilly and bumpy track suited the Lotus Praga T128 LMP2 cars and everyone in the team was confident of showing a good performance in the qualifying session. Christophe Bouchut and Kevin Weeda were behind the wheel of car #31, Dominik Kraihamer and Thomas Holzer were in the hot seat of the sister car #32 during qualifying. With an average lap time of 1:28.556, car #32 qualified fifth in LMP2 class and with an average lap time of 1:30.169, car #31 qualified in position 7. Lotus Praga LMP2 was happy with the result and the performance of the drivers. Kevin Weeda (Driver #31) showed a strong performance and improved his lap times in all practice sessions. The American did his best lap time in qualifying and was very happy: “It is good to be back in the race car after a long break. The sessions on Friday and Saturday were good for us and we didn’t have any problems. We tried different set-ups and tyre compounds and the car was well prepared for the race. It is a shame that my team mate Christophe Bouchut only could do one fast lap in qualifying as he was traffic. Maybe we could have had a better result. But I am very happy with our progress and that I did my best lap time in my first qualifying.” The 6 Hours of Sao Paulo started off well for car #32 and after some laps, Dominik Kraihamer was running in fourth position in LMP2 class. After 35 minutes, however, the race ended prematurely for car #32 after a crash with a LMP1 car. Dominik Kraihamer commented: “I turned into curve 3 and lost the rear of the car. I tried to catch it and I went straight, but then it happened. It was a pity that the LMP1 car was next to me at that moment. I am very sorry for the team as we could have had a good race.” Christophe Bouchut in car #31 had to do an unplanned pit stop early in the race. The car was taken back inside the garage after a gearbox issue. The team tried to fix it and Bouchut was able to go out on track again. Unfortunately, the Frenchman had to box again and it took until 90 minutes before the end of the race, until the gearbox was fixed and Kevin Weeda could go out again. The American did some laps to check the car, but the team lost too much time in the garage. As a consequence, car #31 was not classified. Christophe Bouchut commented: “It is a shame that we had problems with the gearbox during the race. In the sessions before, the balance of the car was good and we could improve ourselves continuously. We wanted to run as much as possible to collect mileage and valuable data for the next races. However, with the issues in the race, it was not possible to have a good result.” Lotus Praga LMP2 is disappointed with the outcome of the race but pleased with the performance and progress of the car and drivers over the weekend. At the fifth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship in Austin (22nd September), the team wants to fight back and to improve again.
  3. Lotus Praga LMP2 is back in action at the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. After a two-month break, the team is heading to Brazil for 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 make it difficult for the car and the drivers as well. The race starts on Sunday, 01st September, at 12:00 hours local time (17:00 hours CEST). Kevin Weeda, Race Driver #31: “I had a nice summer break and I am ready and looking forward to getting back in the Lotus Praga LMP2 car at Interlagos. The circuit is interesting and very challenging as it runs anti-clockwise and you are quiet active during the whole lap. As it runs in the opposite direction, your neck muscles get a good workout. We are hopeful for a good result as our new car is continually improving and we are progressing in the right direction.” Thomas Holzer, Race Driver #32: “I am looking forward to racing in Interlagos. The track is difficult because you don’t get a chance to rest and even the start-finish-straight is a bend. Our pace at Le Mans was good and hopefully we can keep on progressing. I hope that we can have a good result and I am looking forward to being back in the car.”
  4. #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.”
  5. 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.”
  6. Lotus Praga LMP2 is looking forward to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The endurance classic at the Sarthe celebrates its 90th birthday this year and Lotus is proud to be part of this special event. The new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2 did its first laps on the 13,629 kilometer long Circuit des 24 Heures at the obligatory test day last week. Lotus was able to gain a lot of data on this challenging race track and completed a total of 124 laps. With twenty starts at the endurance classic, Christophe Bouchut counts among the endurance racing experts. The Frenchman is very proud of this achievement and is looking forward to his anniversary. It will be Kevin Weeda’s first participation at Le Mans and the American did the minimum of ten laps at the test day to be eligible for the race. Dominik Kraihamer, who had an accident at the Le Mans test, is fully recovered and eager to race. The event at Le Mans will kick off with free practice (16:00-20:00) and the first qualifying session (22:00-24:00) on Wednesday, 19th June. Two more qualifying sessions will take place on Thursday, 20th June from 19:00 to 21:00 and from 22:00 to 24:00. Race start is on Saturday, 22nd June at 15:00. Christophe Bouchut, Race Driver #31: “This year, I am celebrating my 20th participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with one of the biggest names in motorsport, Lotus, which is a real honour and privilege! It is an achievement and fine recognition from the motorsport world to return to this exclusive race that I had the honour to win in 1993. Only ten drivers in the history of Le Mans have taken part in the event more often than I have, which shows how difficult it is to remain at the highest level for so long. There is no other race that I await with such anticipation every year, and there is no other circuit in the world where I enjoy racing to the limit as much as I do on the 24 Hours circuit. I am very proud to celebrate this anniversary with Lotus and I am sure that with my co-drivers Kevin Weeda and James Rossiter, we will do an excellent job in order to have a good result.” Dominik Kraihamer, Race Driver #32: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an event that every racing driver and racing fan is waiting for the whole year. It is a great honour for me and also a big challenge to participate in this spectacle with Lotus. I am looking forward to compete with the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2 and to share the car with Thomas Holzer and Jan Charouz. I am very confident for the race and that we will have a strong performance.”
  7. #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.”
  8. #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.”
  9. 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.”
  10. #31 Kevin Weeda (USA) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) – Christophe Bouchut (FRA) #32 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Dominik Kraihamer (AUT) – Jan Charouz (CZE) Race #32 Position 9 (LMP2) 113 laps #31 retired 42 laps The first race of the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship took place today at Silverstone Circuit. Lotus Praga LMP2 was starting from the third row in LMP2 class with Vitantonio Liuzzi (#31) and Jan Charouz (#32) at the wheel of the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2 cars. Charouz was hit by a competitor in the first lap and had to come back to the garage in order to fix the damages. After 90 minutes, #32 was ready to go again and took the chequered flag after six hours. The sister car #31 had to retire from the race after about two hours due to stearing problems. Until then, Vitantonio Liuzzi, Kevin Weeda and Christophe Bouchut completed 42 laps. In total, the team added a total of 155 laps to its tally and collected a lot of valuable data about the new car in preparation for the next races. The new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2 has shown a good race performance and the team is looking forward to the next races. Christophe Bouchut, Race Driver #31: “It was great to be racing the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2 here at Silverstone. Unfortunately, we had to stop the car due to problems with the stearing. We wanted to drive until the end of the race however, it was not possible today. I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to race here and also for their support and hard work throughout the weekend.” Dominik Kraihamer, Race Driver #32: “I am very happy that I was driving the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2 today. We completed 113 laps and we learned a lot about the car. I want to thank the whole team for working hard and making this possible. I am looking forward to the next race at Spa and I hope we will show a good performance.”
  11. #31 Kevin Weeda (USA) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) – Christophe Bouchut (FRA) #32 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Dominik Kraihamer (AUT) – Jan Charouz (CZE) Free Practice 3 #31 Position 9 (LMP2) Lap time 1:59.423 (Liuzzi) #32 Position 10 (LMP2) Lap time 2:13.884 (Kraihamer) Qualifying #32 Position 5 (LMP2) Average Lap time 2:01.55 (Bouchut, Liuzzi) #31 Position 6 (LMP2) Average Lap time 2:02.144 (Kraihamer, Charouz) The first qualifying of the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship was underway today at Silverstone Circuit. Lotus Praga LMP2 showed a good performance and qualified both cars in fifth position and sixth in LMP2 class for cars #32 and #31 respectively. It was the debut for the new qualifying format, where two drivers of each car have to do at least two timed laps. The average of the four lap times serves as the reference time for the grid. There was a long wait for the official qualifying result because of problems with the timing system. In the end, it was confirmed that cars #32 and #31 will start from fifth and sixth position respectively. It is a good result for Lotus at the first qualifying of the season with the new Lotus Praga T128 LMP2. The 6 Hours of Silverstone will start on Sunday, 14th April at 12:00 hours local time. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race Driver #31: “We had a good qualifying under difficult weather conditions. We started on slicks with Christophe Bouchut and changed for intermediate tyres because the track was very wet and slippery. For my stint, we changed back to slicks as the track dried up again. Starting from sixth position into the race with the new car is very good and we are quite pleased about this result. We keep on working hard to improve the car and we hope to have a good race tomorrow.” Jan Charouz, Race Driver #32: “It was a crazy qualifying session today with rain just in the beginning of the session. My team mate Dominik Kraihamer was doing his laps at first and I was out afterwards when the track dried up again. We are fifth in LMP2 class which is a good result for us and we are very pleased about it. The car was better compared to the morning session and it was a step in the right direction. Now we are getting ready for tomorrow’s race and I am looking forward to racing the Lotus Praga T128 for the first time.”
  12. #31 Kevin Weeda (USA) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) – Christophe Bouchut (FRA) #32 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Dominik Kraihamer (AUT) – Jan Charouz (CZE) Free Practice 1 #31 Position 9 (LMP2) Lap time 2:13.413 (Bouchut) #32 Position 10 (LMP2) Lap time 2:18.283 (Holzer) Free Practice 2 #31 Position 9 (LMP2) Lap time 1:59.423 (Liuzzi) #32 Position 10 (LMP2) Lap time 2:23.886 (Charouz) The new season of the FIA World Endurance Championship started off today with two practice sessions and Lotus Praga LMP2 was underway with its two Lotus Praga T128 LMP2. The changing weather conditions made it impossible to do reasonable lap times. After numerous rain showers, the sun came out for some minutes and the track dried up until there was rain again. Nevertheless, Lotus took the opportunity to learn about the car under different conditions. The team hopes that the weather will be better for tomorrow’s qualifying. The qualifying format has been changed for this season. Two drivers from each car must set at least two timed laps during qualifying. The average of the four best lap times (the best two lap times of each driver) will serve as the reference time for establishing the grid. The debut of this new format is going to be interesting and will ensure that there will be a lot of track action. The qualifying to the 6 Hours of Silverstone will start on Saturday, 13th April at 12:10 hours local time. Christophe Bouchut, Race Driver #31: “It was an interesting first day at Silverstone and I was happy to drive the new Lotus T128 today. There is still some work to do, but we learned a lot about the car, which will help us to find the right setup for the next days. The team is doing an incredible job and I am very happy to race with Lotus.” Thomas Holzer, Race Driver #32: “It was an amazing feeling to drive the Lotus T128 for the first time. There is a lot of potential and we are working hard to get the best out of the car. In the first practice session, we had some overheating problems due to the long pit lane and running in the pit limiter for a long time. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to tomorrow, when hopefully the weather conditions will be better than today.”
  13. 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.”
  14. Dominik Kraihamer is going to compete with Lotus in the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship. The 23-year-old Austrian will drive alongside German Thomas Holzer in the Lotus T128 sports car #32. Kraihamer is a young and talented race driver, who has gained experience in FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series and also at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. “Dodo”, as he is called by his friends and colleagues in the paddock, participated two times in the endurance classic at the Sarthe. However, he could not finish the race yet. At his third attempt at Le Mans, Kraihamer is keen on racing until the end with Lotus. The aspiring young man from Salzburg (AUT) was already contesting in the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship and has proved that he is a fast and intelligent driver with great potential. Lotus is pleased to team up with Dominik Kraihamer and is looking forward to working with him in the 2013 season. Dominik Kraihamer commented: “I am extremely happy to compete with Lotus in FIA WEC this year and I am glad that this cooperation came into being with the help of my sponsor ‚Eat the Ball‘. Lotus is a myth in motor racing and especially for me as an Austrian, the history that Jochen Rindt used to have with the make inspires me. I followed the team last year and I am very pleased to work with such an experienced and professional squad throughout the whole season. I grew up in endurance racing and I know that team spirit is very important. I will give my best to help the team and I am looking forward to having those great results that I failed to achieve in the last two years due to many technical problems. I can’t wait to be in the car for the first time and to do the first quick laps.”
  15. Lotus releases a first photo of the Lotus T128’s monocoque. The driver cell of the T128 was developed in accordance with the 2014 LMP1 regulations. Improved safety, visibility and driver comfort have been paramount in the development of the chassis. The T128 provides a better view for the driver from inside the cockpit. An extensive mock-up program has been carried through in order to verify ergonomics and driver accessibility. Lotus gives a first insight into what to expect from the new sports cars of the 2014 generation. The T128 will run in LMP2 class in the 2013 season. After a successful first year in FIA WEC, Lotus will compete in LMP2 class with two brand-new Lotus T128 in 2013. The ACO has invited the team to race at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The endurance classic at the Sarthe celebrates its 90th anniversary this year and it will be a great honour for the team to compete with the new black and gold Lotus sports car.
  16. 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.
  17. Lotus successfully completed the 2012 season of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The team showed a strong performance at its first year in endurance racing. A pleasant conclusion of the season was the start from Pole Position at the 6 Hours of Shanghai. At the end of January, the team has announced its participation in the sports cars championship that includes the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. After a first roll out, Lotus was ready for its debut in endurance racing. The inaugural season of the FIA World Endurance Championship started off with the 12 Hours of Sebring in March, where just one Lotus LMP2 car was in action. Thomas Holzer, Mirco Schultis and Luca Moro were at the wheel of #31. The three drivers showed a good performance in the opening event of the 2012 season and finished the race in sixth position in LMP2 class and tenth overall. At the 6 Hours of Spa, Lotus was running two of its LMP2 cars for the very first time. Kevin Weeda and former Formula One test driver James Rossiter joined the team in Belgium. The quick and talented Briton Rossiter qualified car #32 outright in the front row of the LMP2 class, just four hundredths of a second behind the Pole sitter. Due to a start from the pit lane after an engine change, Rossiter and his team mates Kevin Weeda and Luca Moro made their way through the field and finished the race in eleventh position. Thomas Holzer, Mirco Schultis and Renger van der Zande in car #31 were able to achieve their best qualifying result of the season and started from fifth position. The race came to a sudden end for them after a crash one hour before the lapse of time. The team continued its journey to the biggest race on the calendar, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which also marked the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Because of sporting regulations and limitations, just one Lotus LMP2 car was allowed to participate in the legendary endurance classic. So, Thomas Holzer, Mirco Schultis and Luca Moro represented the black and gold Lotus colours at the Circuit des 24 Heures. The event was interfered by technical problems and led to a retirement early in the morning. Until that time, the car was running well in the race and all drivers showed a solid performance at their first participation at Le Mans. The FIA World Endurance Championship went into a two-month break before the starting field was back in action for the fourth event of the year at the home of British motorsport. From the 6 Hours of Silverstone, Lotus was contesting with two of its LMP2 cars at every round of the FIA WEC. Former Formula One racer Vitantonio Liuzzi joined the team and was driving alongside Kevin Weeda and James Rossiter in car #32. The weekend of the Italian Liuzzi and his team mates went off anything but ideal having suffered engine failures in the practice sessions and the race. With Christijan Albers, a familiar face was back in a race car. The Dutchman replaced Luca Moro in #31, who could not be with the team because of private reasons. Albers enjoyed being back in a race car after a two years absence and together with his team mates Thomas Holzer and Mirco Schultis he finished the race in 12th position. The second half of the FIA World Endurance Championship started off with the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo. The fifth round on the calendar was the first of four oversea races in a row and Lotus was in good condition in Brazil. After six hours, both Lotus LMP2 cars took the chequered flag. Car #32 was fighting for the podium, but after an unreasonable decision by the marshals, the crew lost valuable time in the garage and finished the race in sixth position. Car #31 was running trouble-free and was eight in LMP2 class. Lotus was travelling with a positive feeling to the 6 Hours of Bahrain after the strong performance in the previous race. The round in the desert was special as the race started in daylight and finished at night. Unfortunately, Mirco Schultis was ill and could not take part in the sixth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. So, just Thomas Holzer and Luca Moro were driving in car #31. The duo did well and Holzer had its best qualifying result until then. That it is very close in LMP2 category demonstrated the crew of car #32. James Rossiter qualified in sixth position, but just one tenth of a second behind the competitor in third position. In the race, Kevin Weeda, James Rossiter and Vitantonio Liuzzi were battling for a podium finish and proved once again that the Lotus LMP2 is competitive. The squad finished the race in fourth position just 30 seconds off from the second place. The penultimate event of the inaugural season of the FIA World Endurance Championship took place at the foot of the Mount Fuji. The weekend started off with some problems for Lotus, but the team was able to change tack. Vitantonio Liuzzi qualified car #32 in third position, Thomas Holzer in car #31 repeated his best qualifying result with a start from eighth place. The 6 Hours of Fuji race started off well for both Lotus LMP2 cars. #32 was leading its class for a long time, but crossed the finish line in fifth position as a consequence of several collisions with competitors and an unplanned but requested change of the rear end. Thomas Holzer and Mirco Schultis in car #31 were on a solid run and had the pace to finish the race in sixth place. However, an alternator failure forced the German duo to retire. Nevertheless, the team was able to show another strong race performance before heading to the season final. The 6 Hours of Shanghai marked the last event of the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship. Lotus was coming highly motivated to China and wanted to end the season on a high note. LMP2 class winner Jan Charouz joined the team as Vitantonio Liuzzi was not able to race in Shanghai. It was a good weekend for the entire Lotus team with Thomas Holzer (#31) being second in the first practice and James Rossiter (#32) in front of his competitors in the second practice session. Both race drivers continued their trend upwards and achieved their best qualifying result of the season. Thomas Holzer qualified sixth in LMP2 class, whereas James Rossiter put his Lotus LMP2 car on Pole Position, which was a big success for the whole team. It was the first Pole Position in Lotus’ young history in endurance racing and a worthy reward for everybody’s hard work. In the race, Briton Rossiter was on a good pace and used his tyres not too hard, so he could keep up with the competitors. Unfortunately, the race for car #32 ended prematurely due to brake problems. Thomas Holzer and Mirco Schultis in car #31 had a strong race and achieved their best result of the year by finishing in sixth position. It was a good and exciting first season for Lotus in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The squad improved continuously and was a serious competitor in the LMP2 category. The drivers and team members did an incredible job and worked very hard for good results. The Pole Position in Shanghai was the icing on the cake for a challenging but also successful first season in endurance racing. Lotus is using the winter break to get ready for the new challenges in the FIA World Endurance Championship and is looking forward to competing with its own and brand new sports car, the Lotus T128.
  18. #31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) #32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) Race #32 Position 5 #31 retired The 6 Hours race of Fuji started off well for Lotus when Vitantonio Liuzzi took the lead in LMP2 class. Car #32 was in second position for half of the race. But after several contacts with competitors, a stop and go penalty and a Stewards request to change the rear end, the team lost positions in the last three hours of the race. Nevertheless, after all these incidents, the team managed to finish the race with car #32 in fifth position. Car #31 had to retire because of a failure of the alternator. Until then, Thomas Holzer and Mirco Schultis showed a strong performance and climbed up to sixth position in LMP2 class. All in all, it was a promising weekend for Lotus as the team is able to fight for the podium. The team is now heading to the season final in Shanghai and wants to have another good result with both cars. Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31: “Unfortunately, we had to retire after the alternator failed. Until then, we had a good race and showed a good performance. We have to focus now on the next and final race of the season. Hopefully we can have a better result in China.” Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race driver #32: “I had a good start and was first in LMP2 class for a while. But then I was hit a several times by some other cars and lost many positions. After this, I was able to make up for positions again and was back in second place. It is a shame that we did not finish on the podium but with these damages it was not possible today.”
  19. #31 Thomas Holzer (GER) – Mirco Schultis (GER) #32 Kevin Weeda (USA) – James Rossiter (GBR) – Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA) Free Practice 3 #32 Position 4 (LMP2) Lap time 1:32.891 (Liuzzi) #31 Position 9 (LMP2) Lap time 1:35.090 (Holzer) Qualifying #32 Position 3 (LMP2) Lap time 1:32.738 (Liuzzi) #31 Position 8 (LMP2) Lap time 1:35.036 (Holzer) Lotus will start from the second row at the 6 Hours of Fuji. After a difficult first day at the foot of Mount Fuji, Lotus showed a strong qualifying performance. Vitantonio Liuzzi qualified the Lotus LMP2 car #32 in third position in LMP2 class with a lap time of 1:32.738, just four tenths off of the pole position. Thomas Holzer in car #31, setting a lap time of 1:35.036, will start from eight position. Lotus is well prepared for the race and hoping to have a good result. The race will start at 11:00 hours local time. Thomas Holzer, Race driver #31: “We improved steadily over the weekend and we showed a good qualifying performance on the hard tyres. Our focus was to find the right setup for the race and I think we are well prepared for having a good result at Fuji.” Vitantonio Liuzzi, Race driver #32: “We could have done better today because the balance of the car was not perfect. We could not put all sectors together, especially in the last sector we are not fast enough. It was very close in LMP2 class again and we are just four tenths off of pole position. Starting from the second row is a good result and we are confident for the race.”
  20. #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.”
  21. #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.”
  22. 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.”
  23. #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.”
  24. #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.”
  25. #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.”
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