Gastaldi positive for Lotus' 'home race'

After scoring points in back-to-back races, the Lotus F1 Team will be looking to continue its progress at its home base next weekend at Silverstone.

Pastor Maldonado raked in two seventh place finishes in Canada and Austria while Romain Grosjean was tenth in Montreal and forced into retirement at the Red Bull Ring with gearbox trouble. But the E23 chassis has increasingly gained in performance this season and continues to show its pace as it barks on the heels of rivals Force India and Red Bull.

Considered the venue of its home race, Silverstone will likely provide a welcomed additional incentive which will boost the team's prospects, according to deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi.

"It is the home event for the factory and we get so much support from our employees and their friends and families," Gastaldi said. "We'll see so many familiar faces in the crowds and speak to so many people over the course of the event. I know that I'll probably lose my voice by the end of the weekend!"

"Logistically, being down the road from the event certainly can make things easier in terms of time, but the planning and logistics are the same as ever, except for at this race some of the crew can sleep in their own beds for once! From a motivation point of view we never lack that, wherever we race. But there is still an added ambience to a race that is on our doorstep. We want to achieve something for everyone at Enstone to have an extra special spring in their step on the Monday after the British Grand Prix."

Gastaldi believes Lotus can certainly reclaim fifth place in the constructers standings, but ultimately its sights are set on moving up the ranks a few more notches.

"Force India jumped us in Austria, but we did get closer to Red Bull in fourth position. We were unfortunate to have to retire Romain but Pastor showed the pace and potential of our package once more."

"If we get both cars across the finish line in the points we should make good inroads to the gap to those currently ahead of us. There's still over half of the season left to go, so there is plenty of opportunity for us to move forwards. We will be fighting all the way!"

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