2014 - The Formula 1 Tsunami

No doubt by now you've heard me bang on about the regulation changes to the current engine formula (that has been in place since 2006) which will make teams reinvent the way Formula 1 cars are designed in 2014. Lotus technical director James Allison has provided further insight into why the 2014 season is going to be such an important milestone in Formula 1 history.

"2009 changes were a ripple compared with the tsunami in 2014" - James Allison

Allison was talking specifically about the most recent set of regulation changes which impacted aerodynamics involving altering the levels of downforce to improve the chances of overtaking.

The brains behind the new Lotus E21 also stated that work on the 2014 challenger began as early as mid season 2011.

"Most of the way the 2014 championship will be was laid out sometime ago and you deal with a huge change like that by not leaving it to the last minute before you think about it."

Allison also believes that Renault (the team's engine supplier) will not prioritise championship team Red Bull over Lotus.

"They (Renault) offer an even-handed approach but they are also extremely conscious of the fact they need to make a car that works well in 2014, not just an engine."

Even though Red Bull are the works team, Lotus was still Renault for years. In my eyes the supplier will always be closer to Lotus than Red Bull.

Lotus E21

The E21 has got off to a flying start in Jerez for pre-season testing with Romain Grosjean running the car for the first two days and 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen taking over for the final two.

Final Lap Times For The E21 So Far:

Day One: Romain Grosjean 1.19.796s (3rd fastest on the day)

Day Two: Romain Grosjean 1.18.218s (fastest time of the day)

Day Three: Kimi Raikkonen 1.19.200s (4th fastest on the day)