Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsLotus F1

Mercedes engine upgrade boost for Lotus

Lotus F1 Team is looking forward to a power unit upgrade Mercedes may introduce in Canada to further evolve the performance of its E23 contender.

While Lotus still remains in the mid-field this season, the Enstone outfit has thoroughly improved its fortunes compared to last year thanks largely to its switch over the winter from Renault to Mercedes power.

Speaking on Sky Sports F1 Show, Lotus CEO Matthew Carter believes its German engine supplier may have put to good use some of the remaining tokens destined to further the power unit's development.

“It is a new engine and an upgrade as well," Carter said. "I think they may have used tokens, so we definitely have an upgraded engine.”

As the team makes further progress, Carter believes Lotus shall be in a position in Canada to challenge Red Bull and Force India.

"It should be a good race for us. We believe on this circuit we should have the fourth quickest car, we can’t touch Mercedes, Ferrari or Williams, but we can hope to be the fourth quickest there. We have a lot of upgrades on the car in terms of brake cooling, but I am sure all the teams are doing the same things. Fingers crossed it should be good."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.