Renault have finally made a break through in regards to their new 2014 engines.
Formula One teams Red Bull Racing, Caterham and Toro Rosso really struggled during the first winter test session in Jerez, which was partly down to French manufacturer Renault really struggling to get to grips with their new hybrid 1.6-litre V6’s.
Mercedes powered teams completed 2,407 miles during the four-day test session in Jerez.
Ferrari powered teams completed 1,221 miles, while Renault completed just 415 miles.
Lotus skipped the first winter test entirely but hit the track on Saturday for the first time with their new E22 for a promotional filming session at Jerez.
For such events, teams are limited to just 100km [60miles] which Lotus completed, signalling a major step forward for Renault.
‘We finished our running before 4pm on Saturday, due to the mileage restrictions imposed on a promotional event. Lotus trackside operations director Alan Permane told the BBC.
The session also gave Pastor Maldonado his first chance to get behind the wheel following his move from Williams at the end of last season.
Permane continued: ‘Both the chassis and the new Renault power unit ran without any major problems. Pastor settled in very quickly and is already fitting into the team nicely.
‘The car went together well and the design and build quality is another step up on the successful E21 of 2013.
Lotus now intend to join the rest of the Formula One paddock at the upcoming second winter testing session in Bahrain later this month.
Not only is the development good for Lotus, but Red Bull Racing, Caterham and Toro Rosso will also be breathing a sigh of relief as Lotus ran various hardware changes, software bug fixes and calibration improvements which had caused the other teams issues during the Jerez struggles.
The test in Bahrain starts on February 19th.
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