The unpredictable tyre performance in Canada probably flattered Lotus a little but nonetheless this was the most convincing performance by a new team so far this year.
Mike Gascoyne hailed their weekend as “a massive step forward for the whole team”.
Jarno Trulli | Heikki Kovalainen | |
Qualifying position | 20 | 19 |
Qualifying time comparison (Q1) | 1’18.698 (+0.461) | 1’18.237 |
Race position | 16 | |
Average race lap | 1’27.572 (+3.677) | 1’23.894 |
Laps | 42/70 | 68/70 |
Pit stops | 4 | 3 |
Open lap times interactive chart in new window
Jarno Trulli
Started on the super-soft tyres and changed them after five laps. But halfway through the race a heavy vibration began, leading to a braking problem. After two visits to the pits he retired.
Compare Jarno Trulli’s form against his team mate in 2010
Heikki Kovalainen
Comfortably out-qualified Trulli and, thanks to several drivers making early pit stops, he ran as high as sixth on lap seven.
Made three stops for tyres, leaving the super-softs until the end when the track had rubbered-in. Spent the end of the race defending his position from Vitaly Petrov who, despite having a fresher set of tyres on, spent nine laps trying to find a way past the Lotus with no success.
Afterwards he said:
It’s been a great weekend, and I’m really pleased for the whole team with the result today. We finished ahead of Petrov and lapped the other new guys, and although it was hard work managing the tyres, it’s still great to show what we can do.
The race itself was tough, but it’s all about the result – I didn’t have any technical problems with the car, but the rear wasn’t working quite as I’d have liked, and I think that was down to the tyre wear
Heikki Kovalainen
Compare Heikki Kovalainen’s form against his team mate in 2010
2010 Canadian Grand Prix
John H
14th June 2010, 18:31
Well done Lotus.
I remember as I was watching the coverage thinking ‘that Lotus isn’t obeying the blue flags very well’ and then realising that Kov was actually defending his position in front of Hamilton and Alonso. Nice.
djdaveyp
14th June 2010, 18:36
I have to say kovy os doing a fantastic job this season. He seems to have his confidence back.
Meander
15th June 2010, 0:27
I didn’t relealise that Kovi actually *lapped* his other newcomer siblings. Well done indeed!
graigchq
15th June 2010, 10:42
yep – excellent work from Lotus.. give em another couple of seasons and they’ll be right up there fighting for points
Patrickl
15th June 2010, 12:37
Lotus was hoping for points in Canada. Although I assume the hoped for a “lottery win” from a safety car situation for that or something.
Matt G (lotus fan)
15th June 2010, 14:56
Shame there wasn’t more coverage of Kov defending his position from Petrov. Very good race and hopefully a point before the end of the season.