Download Mercedes F1 2011

The Formula One testing season has kicked off in Valencia, Spain, with various teams taking to the track to fine-tune their machines for the upcoming racing season. Among those teams is Team Lotus, which has been making steady progress despite facing some challenges.

One of the key areas where Team Lotus needs improvement is its long-run and tyre data, which was significantly impacted during the testing session due to a power steering issue that arose after its car's roll-out on Wednesday. As a result, the team decided to skip the first day of testing and instead conducted a private test day at the end of the week.

Despite these setbacks, Team Lotus managed to complete 144 laps, which is impressive considering it skipped one day of testing and added an extra day to its schedule. The team's focus was primarily on launch systems, aero testing, and basic systems checks, which will help it refine its car for the upcoming season.

It's worth noting that testing pace is often misleading when it comes to predicting a team's full potential. Many factors can influence a team's performance during testing, including car setup, driver experience, and track conditions.

The Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo provided a challenging backdrop for the teams, with its unique layout requiring drivers to adapt their driving styles accordingly. While Team Lotus may not have set the pace during this testing session, it's clear that they are working hard to address their weaknesses and improve their overall performance.

As the season approaches, fans can expect Team Lotus to make significant strides forward, potentially even worrying teams like Williams. With its strong foundation and commitment to improvement, there's no reason why Team Lotus can't be a force to be reckoned with in 2011.

Download mercedes f1 2011