Lotus 'back on track' for Barcelona after testing woes

Initially identified as a problem with the chassis, Lotus later confirmed the specific issues surrounded the mounting of the rear suspension.

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James Allison, the Lotus technical director, said the Formula One team have solved the problems that forced them to abandon pre-season testing after just a handful of laps at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya last week.

Initially identified as a problem with the chassis, Lotus later confirmed the specific issues surrounded the mounting of the rear suspension.

Lotus pulled out of testing and focused on finding on solutions to ensure they will be in position to complete the final test that begins in Barcelona today.

"It's been an intense few days, but I have to say everybody has completed their tasks in tremendous fashion," Allison said on the team's official website.

"Everybody understood the situation was unfortunate, but under control. We designed the new parts, manufactured them, and fitted them to the chassis. We then completed the necessary tests satisfactorily and the chassis left for Spain."

Although expressing his confidence regarding the repair, which adds one kilogram to the chassis weight, Allison appreciates the time lost last week cannot be regained.

"Of course, missing four days of testing is not ideal," he said. "We need mileage at this stage of the year, as does any other team. That said, there are reasons to remain optimistic.

"First of all we completed many trouble-free laps in Jerez [in the first test session] and gained a good understanding of the car.

"Also, some of the small issues we identified in Jerez needed to be fixed, and the parts were not available last week.

"So [today] the car will run with all the required redesigned parts. We're looking forward to being back on track."

Eleven of the 12 Formula One teams will be in Barcelona, with the exception of Marussia, who this week confirmed their absence after failing the last of 18 FIA crash tests which they are to now re-take.