Lotus and Liuzzi ready to take on Sao Paulo

The Lotus LMP2 team is ready to kick-start into action its assault on the second half of the FIA World Endurance Championship, starting with the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo.   After finishing sixth in the class FIA WEC classification at Sebring, the team had a torrid time at Spa and Le Mans with accidents being the main reason for poor results.  Showing a better turn of speed at Silverstone, despite some engine issues, Lotus has still to truly make its mark on the highly competitive category. 

Nevertheless the two black and gold coloured cars will once again be a welcome addition to the field.  Thomas Holzer- Mirco Schultis-Luca Moro will pilot the Lotus-engined No.31 Lola B12/80 Coupe, while Kevin Weeda-James Rossiter-Vitantonio Liuzzi will be at the wheel of No. 32.  The popular Italian driver brings to the team his F1 experience of the Interlagos track which will be invaluable in helping both engineers and drivers prepare for the race.

Thomas Holzer, No.31 Lotus Lola-Lotus:  “The Autodromo José Carlos Pace is another race track I have never driven before but I was told it is a very challenging circuit for a driver because you race anti-clockwise and the surface is very bumpy. The hilly layout makes it even harder to stay focused until the end of the race. I am looking forward to the race in Brazil and I hope that we can make some further progress.”

Vitantonio Liuzzi, No.32 Lotus Lola-Lotus:  “I know the track in Interlagos very well.  It is a mix of medium and low speed corners and the second sector is very twisty. The circuit runs anti-clockwise and is very bumpy. These are the two factors why it is a very demanding layout for the drivers, especially for their necks. It is going to be a big challenge to stay focused throughout the stint. I am looking forward to the race and I hope to get some more track time.”

Fiona Miller

PHOTO: SEBRING INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY (SEBRING, FLORIDA, USA), 12 HOURS OF SEBRING, 17TH MARCH 2012. The No. 31 Lotus Lola B12/80 Coupe-Lotus.