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Lotus wilt in heat but remain optimistic

SEPANG, Malaysia - The new Malsysian-backed Lotus team wilted in the competitive heat of their home Grand Prix on Sunday, but still did enough to give confidence and optimism for the future.

That was the widespread verdict after a tough contest saw Italian Jarno Trulli bring his car home 17^th and Finn Heikki Kovalainen drive to the flag, albeit in an unclassified position following repairs for a damaged rear tyre.

“Despite all the issues, I think it was still a very positive race for us,” said Kovalainen.

“My start wasn’t fantastic, and it meant I dropped immediately to the back. But after that I got into a good rhythm, before I started to see some issues on the dash.

“I tried to make a move on Di Grassi, but clipped his front wing when I was going past and damaged my left rear tyre, so had to come in to pit.

“But even with those problems that we had, the car was competitive and I was very comfortable.

“Compared to the other new teams, I think our times are very competitive indeed, so I’m not going to let this race trouble me.”

Trulli also took positives out of the race.

“We made a good start, but then on the second lap I was hit by Glock — which made me spin. From then on, my race was compromised,” he said.

“Despite that, I got the car home and that shows our focus on reliability has been worth the effort.”

Team chief Tony Fernandes said he was encouraged.

“We can take a lot away from this weekend. In the end, it is a major achievement to finish,” said the founder of budget airline AirAsia.