Tuesday 25th November
Charles Pic opened the first day of the Abu Dhabi test for Lotus F1 Team by completing 89 laps during the course of aerodynamic assessments and tyre evaluations at Yas Marina Circuit. Charles conducted comparisons between Pirelli’s 2014 and 2015 specification tyres as well as collecting aerodynamic data focused on next year’s car, the E23-Hybrid.
Fast Facts:
Track: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, 5.55km
Chassis: E22-03
Weather: Sunny / hazy, air 26-28°C, track 33-44°C
Programme: Aero assessments and tyre evaluations.
Laps Completed: 89
Classification: P7, 1:46.167
Interruptions: Various red flags, set-up and configuration changes.
What’s Next?
Esteban Ocon will drive for the morning session tomorrow with Alex Lynn taking over for the afternoon for the final day of testing for 2014.
Charles Pic:
“Of course it’s always fantastic to get back into a Formula 1 car and it was a good day today. We ran through the programme required and I could definitely feel the difference in the car compared to when I last drove it at Silverstone. It was interesting to get a taste of the 2015 tyres. They don’t feel massively different from this year’s, but I did feel an improvement in terms of traction. I’m glad I was able to complete so many laps reliably and carry out the team’s planned programme fully.”
Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director:
“It was a solid day of testing for us with numerous aerodynamic evaluations completed, all assisting in our developments for the future. We also had the opportunity to run the 2015 specification Pirelli tyres which provide us with good data for developments back at Enstone. Charles jumped back in the car and gave us everything we wanted from him today. Tomorrow will be interesting as we will run two highly talented young drivers, with Esteban Ocon running for the morning session and Alex Lynn in the afternoon.”