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7th
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As Auto123.com revealed a few weeks ago, an agreement between Lotus and the IndyCar series officials has been reached and the engine manufacturer is officially leaving the North American open wheel series.
With the introduction of the new IndyCar chassis/engine regulations, Lotus joined Honda and Chevrolet to supply engines to different teams for the 2012 season.
On the outset, the Lotus V6 was plagued by numerous problems that eventually led to its downfall. The development program started late and that cause Lotus to lag behind both Honda and Chevrolet.
Lotus was first linked with teams Dreyer & Reinbold, Dragon, Bryan Herta Autosport and HVM but when the time came for the Indy 500; all the teams had left but HVM.
Lotus was never able to supply an up-to-par engine and, although Sebastien Bourdais was able to show good form on the road courses, the engine was well under power on the ovals. This lack of power forced the officials at the Indy 500 to black flag the Lotus cars due to their lack of speed.
IndyCar officials announced on Friday that Lotus had been released from its contract to supply engines to teams in the series, meaning that Chevrolet and Honda must now each be able to supply a minimum 60 per cent of the grid next season.
With the introduction of the new IndyCar chassis/engine regulations, Lotus joined Honda and Chevrolet to supply engines to different teams for the 2012 season.
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| Photo: Lotus |
On the outset, the Lotus V6 was plagued by numerous problems that eventually led to its downfall. The development program started late and that cause Lotus to lag behind both Honda and Chevrolet.
Lotus was first linked with teams Dreyer & Reinbold, Dragon, Bryan Herta Autosport and HVM but when the time came for the Indy 500; all the teams had left but HVM.
Lotus was never able to supply an up-to-par engine and, although Sebastien Bourdais was able to show good form on the road courses, the engine was well under power on the ovals. This lack of power forced the officials at the Indy 500 to black flag the Lotus cars due to their lack of speed.
IndyCar officials announced on Friday that Lotus had been released from its contract to supply engines to teams in the series, meaning that Chevrolet and Honda must now each be able to supply a minimum 60 per cent of the grid next season.