AUGUST 31, 2012

Lotus will not race trick aero device at Spa

The washout conditions on the opening day of the Belgian GP weekend means that Lotus has abandoned plans to race its 'double DRS' system at Spa due to being unable to assess and calibrate it.

The washout conditions on the opening day of the Belgian GP weekend means that Lotus has abandoned plans to race its 'double DRS' system at Spa due to being unable to assess and calibrate it.

Known as 'The Device' within the Lotus team, the drag reduction device was expected to be particularly well-suited to Spa and Monza.

Technical director James Allison said, however: "Today's rain prevented us from seeing how the 'device' would perform in the expected race conditions. With discretion being the better part of valour we will conduct P3 tomorrow with a conventional aero package rather than attempting to squeeze Friday's intended evaluation into the precious final practice session.

"On the plus side we learned today that the cars are working fine and we're happy to end the day with no damage from running in these difficult conditions."