Nick Chester (GBR) Lotus Technical Director, in the Press Conference. Formula One World Championship, Rd18, United States Grand Prix, Practice, Austin, Texas, USA, Friday, 15 November 2013. © Sutton Images
The asymmetric design caused something of a stir when digital renderings of the Renault-powered E22 were released on Friday, but Chester believes that whilst it is unconventional, it is legal.
“We have passed all the necessary crash tests and we are very confident that our design complies with all the FIA legal requirements - we have just taken an innovative direction, and one that’s different to the other teams,” he told the team’s website.
“Where there are so many variations in design, there is always bound to be a little talk, but we remain relaxed and focussed on our design and progression.”
Lotus are missing this week’s opening pre-season test in Jerez as they continue to work on the E22, but Chester insists progress is good.
“The car’s coming together pretty well now,” he said. “The build is well advanced and we think we’ll be in good shape for Bahrain come the next test.”
However, despite not being in Jerez, Chester admits that he naturally has one eye on proceedings in Spain.
“It’s always interesting to see what solutions the other teams have,” he said. “Obviously you can’t see under the skin of the cars easily where the majority of the design work takes place, but it’s always interesting to see the various aero packaging on the other cars.
“We’ll look at the different bodywork options they’re running and there’s always a few things to pick up on what they are pursuing.”
This week’s test in Spain runs until Friday, whilst the second pre-season test of the year takes place at Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit on February 19-22.