Despite a several month gap to its rivals, the new Lotus engine is now up and running and made its first laps Thursday and Friday at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida.
The John Judd-built 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 completed a shakedown run with six installation laps on Thursday and a full day of running on Friday without issues.
HVM Racing completed the test with Simona de Silvestro the first to get behind the wheel of the entry. The team reported four short outings without any issues on Thursday. Friday, the team indicated the full day went well, with steady, consistent progress and building up to speed. On Saturday, the team plans a similar program with Lotus' test car, with the potential of long runs.
“Shakedown in the Lotus car went according to plan! Had a lot of fun! Good to be back in the car!” de Silvestro said.
A heavy testing program for the manufacturer will continue with several other drivers likely to take over from de Silvestro. Lotus now has four factory teams (HVM, Dreyer & Reinbold, Herta and Dragon) with three of the four teams having at least one confirmed driver.