Saturday review: Team Lotus – An immense joy!
At the end of this qualifying session, there was joy in the Team Lotus stand. Both cars failed to make it past Q1 but are getting closer to Q2 and more prestigious teams. Kovallainen and Trulli are counting on the reliability observed throughout the weekend to achieve a good result in the race. Heikki Kovalainen […]

At the end of this qualifying session, there was joy in the Team Lotus stand. Both cars failed to make it past Q1 but are getting closer to Q2 and more prestigious teams.
Kovallainen and Trulli are counting on the reliability observed throughout the weekend to achieve a good result in the race.
Heikki Kovalainen – 19th:
It was a fantastic session for us and I am really satisfied with our performances. After yesterday’s day, I didn’t really know what to expect for today’s session, but the guys did an incredible job giving me a car that was very different from yesterday.
From my first laps, I could feel that there were significant improvements in all areas, and we had no reliability issues all day, so I was able to push to the maximum.
I appreciated my day and felt that I could get the best out of the car. There is still progress to come, so I think tomorrow’s race will be really interesting for us, especially when you see how tight it is in the pack.
Jarno Trulli – 20th:
Today’s performance is positive for the whole team. We didn’t have any problems with the car and I think we are quite close to the car’s true level. This morning’s session was very useful, and we also gathered data from the qualifications and tried to do our best.
The plan for tomorrow is to maintain consistency and reliability, seize our chance when it comes, and be there at the finish. It’s a long and hot race where anything can happen, but I think we’re ready for it, so let’s see how it goes.
Tony Fernandes – Team Principal:
« Words cannot express my joy. Seeing the result of 18 months of hard work and finishing just a few tenths behind teams that have been present for a long time and less than a second from the middle of the pack is an extraordinary accomplishment.
It’s all the more satisfying after a difficult winter during which we had problems that we worked on. It’s a good feeling. Heikki and Jaron know there’s more to come from our car, and we are confident for the race this weekend.
The objective is to maintain our reliability and bring both cars to the finish. I am very proud of the team, especially after this difficult winter, so I tip my hat to each of them.