Lotus
The other contender for the ‘Most Improved Team’ award, Lotus was always likely to see a clear step forward thanks to its switch from Renault to Mercedes power. The car wasn’t ready for the start of the first test, but it ran reliably from an early stage which has allowed the team to focus on the major differences compared to its 2014 effort.
Lotus was used to being at the front in 2012 and 2013, but last year’s problems will leave it slightly rusty in a similar way to Williams not being fully prepared to capitalise on its potential last year. While the team is talking a good game, the lap times - coupled with the learning curve of working with a new engine supplier - means it is likely to be unable to quite cling on to the coattails of Williams, Ferrari and Red Bull.
