http://lotusf1team.com/ Experience exclusive content right from the heart of the F1 action. Catch up on the latest news, results, photos and videos from the Lotus F1 Team and drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean. en SPIP - www.spip.net http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L144xH60/siteon0-06b4b.png http://lotusf1team.com/ 60 144 http://lotusf1team.com/monaco-baby-a-fan-s-eye-view-of.html http://lotusf1team.com/monaco-baby-a-fan-s-eye-view-of.html 2013-05-24T14:00:00Z text/html en <p>Formula 1; it's about speed, precision, innovation, passion… but most of all, it's about the fans! We took some time out to catch up with a few excitable faces amongst the thousands gathered here in Monte Carlo to get the inside line on their Grand Prix experience<br class='autobr' /> Follow @Lotus_F1Team<br class='autobr' /> ; whether it's the precision deftness required from the drivers to deliver maximum pace without the slightest mistake between the walls, or the floating opulence in the harbour, the Monaco Grand Prix is an event (...)</p> - <a href="http://lotusf1team.com/-lotus-f1-team-news-.html" rel="directory">News</a> <img class='spip_logos' alt="" src="http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L700xH523/arton11800-af378.jpg" width='700' height='523' /> <div class='rss_chapo'><p>Formula 1; it's about speed, precision, innovation, passion… but most of all, it's about the fans! We took some time out to catch up with a few excitable faces amongst the thousands gathered here in Monte Carlo to get the inside line on their Grand Prix experience</p></div> <div class='rss_texte'><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <p><span class="pullquote">There's nowhere quite like Monaco</span>; whether it's the precision deftness required from the drivers to deliver maximum pace without the slightest mistake between the walls, or the floating opulence in the harbour, the <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/-monaco-gp-.html" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Monaco Grand Prix</a> is an event to truly remember.</p> <p>Fans come from far and wide; for some it's the trip of a lifetime, for others a regular yearly extravaganza.</p> <p>Two Lotus F1 Teams fans waited outside the team garage for a glimpse of their heroes.</p> <p><em class="spip">“We came all the way from Tokyo for this race and we can't wait to see Kimi and Romain!”</em></p> <p>For some it's the excitement and experience of being in Monaco, for others the glamour is just the backdrop to the racing.</p> <p><em class="spip">“How are you guys on your long run pace here?”</em> asks Alastair, from Scotland. <em class="spip">“You've looked pretty good all year, but it must be different here if you get stuck behind other cars; it doesn't look easy to pass.”</em></p> <dl class='spip_document_14778 spip_documents spip_documents_left'><dt> <img src='http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L500xH374/13.05.24.web.news.2.pic.1-26ee3.jpg' alt="" width='500' height='374' /></dt></dl> <p>Stood beside Alastair, Matthias from Austria gives his encouragement.</p> <p><em class="spip">“I love the team and how you've been performing, can we have two drivers on the podium please?”</em></p> <p>If the focus for some is only on the track, then others appreciate the parties as well.</p> <p><em class="spip">“The parties at Monaco are great”</em> says Jasmin from Germany, who was very happy to get her photo taken with Kimi on Friday.</p> <p><em class="spip">“It's so cool that you can share a drink with friends on a corner where the cars will be racing the next day. It's a wonderful experience and I'm so happy to come here every year.”</em></p> <p>So are we Jasmin, so are we.</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Check This Out!</h4> <p>We just can't get enough of the artistic stuff! Check out our new <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lotusf1team/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Pinterest</a> page for all the best behind-the-scenes shots from our Formula 1 travels, in addition to a great selection of pictures from the fans!</p> <p><a data-pin-do="buttonFollow" href="http://pinterest.com/lotusf1team/">Lotus F1 Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Keep in Touch!</h4> <p>Free Practice 3 is next up here at the Circuit de Monaco; the on-track action getting underway at 11:00 local time tomorrow morning. Stay tuned to our Official <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Twitter</a> feed, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LotusF1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Facebook</a> profile and <a href="https://plus.google.com/116890489070887664371#116890489070887664371/posts" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Google+</a> page for live session updates, in addition to all the latest paddock news.</p></div> http://lotusf1team.com/kimionthehunt-the-story-behind-the.html http://lotusf1team.com/kimionthehunt-the-story-behind-the.html 2013-05-24T10:00:00Z text/html en <p>It won't have escaped many fans of our Finnish superstar that the Monaco Grand Prix sees Kimi sporting a fresh helmet design; one that pays homage to a true legend of the sport…<br class='autobr' /> Follow @Lotus_F1Team<br class='autobr' /> The 2013 Monaco Grand Prix marks the 40th anniversary of 1976 Formula 1 World Champion James Hunt's Grand Prix debut; a landmark honoured this weekend by our very own master of the wheel, Kimi Räikkönen.<br class='autobr' /> The unique artwork which adorns the top element of the Finnish maestro's lid comes from a (...)</p> - <a href="http://lotusf1team.com/-lotus-f1-team-news-.html" rel="directory">News</a> <img class='spip_logos' alt="" src="http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L700xH467/arton11803-fde5f.jpg" width='700' height='467' /> <div class='rss_chapo'><p>It won't have escaped many fans of our Finnish superstar that the Monaco Grand Prix sees Kimi sporting a fresh helmet design; one that pays homage to a true legend of the sport…</p></div> <div class='rss_texte'><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <p>The 2013 <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/-monaco-gp-.html" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Monaco Grand Prix</a> marks the 40th anniversary of 1976 Formula 1 World Champion <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hunt" class='spip_out' rel='external'>James Hunt</a>'s Grand Prix debut; a landmark honoured this weekend by our very own master of the wheel, <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/-kimi-raikkonen-336-.html" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Kimi Räikkönen</a>.</p> <p>The unique artwork which adorns the top element of the Finnish maestro's lid comes from a collection of paintings commissioned by Hunt's family and created by renowned motorsport artist <a href="http://nicolashunziker.com/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Nicolas Hunziker</a>; making a fitting tribute to one of the most revered men to grace the Formula 1 paddock.</p> <p><em class="spip">“I've always respected James Hunt”</em> says Kimi, who sported a full replica of the famous black helmet at last year's Monaco Grand Prix. <em class="spip">“It's great that his family is launching products to represent one of my favourite eras of Formula 1”</em>.</p> <p>So there you have it; a special weekend and an equally special headpiece for the Iceman. Let's see if it'll help him Get Lucky on the streets of Monte Carlo this weekend…</p> <p><strong>Catch every last detail of the awesome design in the slideshow below:</strong></p></div> http://lotusf1team.com/romain-grosjean-confident-despite.html http://lotusf1team.com/romain-grosjean-confident-despite.html 2013-05-23T15:30:00Z text/html en <p>Romain's day may have come to an abrupt end courtesy of the Sainte Devôte barriers, but our Frenchman is looking good here at the Circuit de Monaco…<br class='autobr' /> Follow @Lotus_F1Team<br class='autobr' /> Monaco... Music... Magic... Click here to find out what all the fuss is about.<br class='autobr' /> Looks like your barrier firmness validation test went to plan… That would be one way to put it! After a great start to the day it was a real shame to end things early. I anticipated the super softs warming up a bit quicker than they did so the (...)</p> - <a href="http://lotusf1team.com/-lotus-f1-team-news-.html" rel="directory">News</a> <img class='spip_logos' alt="" src="http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L700xH467/arton11794-5145c.jpg" width='700' height='467' /> <div class='rss_chapo'><p>Romain's day may have come to an abrupt end courtesy of the Sainte Devôte barriers, but our Frenchman is looking good here at the Circuit de Monaco…</p></div> <div class='rss_texte'><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <p><strong>Monaco... Music... Magic... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqqgTIwypZY" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Click here</a> to find out what all the fuss is about.</strong></p> <h3 class="spip">Looks like your barrier firmness validation test went to plan…</h3> <p>That would be one way to put it! After a <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/manic-morning-in-monte-carlo-2013.html" class='spip_out' rel='external'>great start to the day</a> it was a real shame to end things early. I anticipated the super softs warming up a bit quicker than they did so the grip wasn't quite as expected going into the corner, but there was nothing wrong with the car; my braking and entry speed were all wrong and I ended up hitting the barrier. There was no chance to let off and go straight on into the runoff area; I was committed to the corner so that was it. <span class="pullquote">We have a very good car here and it gives you the confidence to push, but unfortunately I pushed a bit too hard</span>.</p> <h3 class="spip">Is it a major setback?</h3> <p>It was my first flying lap of the day on the option tyres, so unfortunately it means I haven't had any time to see how they behave, but I'm not too worried about that. I felt really comfortable in the car and what it could do, so today won't set me back at all. More than anything <strong>I'm sorry for the team and I definitely owe them all a drink for all the work that's needed before Saturday!</strong></p> <h3 class="spip">How are you feeling heading into the weekend?</h3> <p>Our pace in the long runs looked strong – even at the end of each stint – which is always a good sign, but the grid is very close. Both Mercedes drivers and Fernando [Alonso] in particular look pretty quick, but <strong>we have shown in the past that we can pull of good strategies so you never know what can happen</strong>; even at <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/-monaco-gp-.html" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Monaco</a> where overtaking is very difficult. We seem to be in good shape and I'm eager to get back out on track and fight for the top positions in qualifying and the race.</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Check This Out!</h4> <p>We just can't get enough of the artistic stuff! Check out our new <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lotusf1team/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Pinterest</a> page for all the best behind-the-scenes shots from our Formula 1 travels, in addition to a great selection of pictures from the fans!</p> <p><a data-pin-do="buttonFollow" href="http://pinterest.com/lotusf1team/">Lotus F1 Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Keep in Touch!</h4> <p>Free Practice 3 is next up here at the Circuit de Monaco; the on-track action getting underway at 11:00 local time Saturday morning. Stay tuned to our Official <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Twitter</a> feed, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LotusF1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Facebook</a> profile and <a href="https://plus.google.com/116890489070887664371#116890489070887664371/posts" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Google+</a> page for live session updates, in addition to all the latest paddock news.</p></div> http://lotusf1team.com/kimi-raikkonen-pleased-with.html http://lotusf1team.com/kimi-raikkonen-pleased-with.html 2013-05-23T14:45:00Z text/html en <p>A relatively low-key day for the Iceman in Monte Carlo, just the way he likes it. Good laps on the board, and a clear path for improvement gives Kimi plenty of confidence for qualifying<br class='autobr' /> Follow @Lotus_F1Team<br class='autobr' /> Monaco... Music... Magic... Click here to find out what all the fuss is about.<br class='autobr' /> How was your first day on track in Monaco? I was much happier at the end of today than this morning. We were working on getting the steering right in the first session and it wasn't great at the beginning, (...)</p> - <a href="http://lotusf1team.com/-lotus-f1-team-news-.html" rel="directory">News</a> <img class='spip_logos' alt="" src="http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L700xH467/arton11791-81bc1.jpg" width='700' height='467' /> <div class='rss_chapo'><p>A relatively low-key day for the Iceman in Monte Carlo, just the way he likes it. Good laps on the board, and a clear path for improvement gives Kimi plenty of confidence for qualifying</p></div> <div class='rss_texte'><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <p><strong>Monaco... Music... Magic... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqqgTIwypZY" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Click here</a> to find out what all the fuss is about.</strong></p> <h3 class="spip">How was your first day on track in Monaco?</h3> <p>I was much happier at the end of today than this morning. We were working on getting the steering right in the <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/manic-morning-in-monte-carlo-2013.html" class='spip_out' rel='external'>first session</a> and it wasn't great at the beginning, then we changed a few things on the car and it felt far better. <span class="pullquote">We've still got a few other areas to improve, but it was feeling stronger with every run</span>. To get pole we have to make the car a bit faster overall and I have to drive a bit better, then we'll have to see what happens.</p> <h3 class="spip">How does the car feel with the different tyres and configurations?</h3> <p>With the high fuel it didn't feel too bad but for sure we can improve, and the same with low fuel too. <strong>It didn't feel like a massive difference between the tyres to me</strong>, so maybe we didn't get either one working as well as we should. It's something we'll be looking at before qualifying and the race. The main thing is the car feels pretty good and we've got a few ideas about how to make it better. I think if we get everything right we can still do something good.</p> <h3 class="spip">How well can we fare in qualifying and what can be done in the race?</h3> <p>We haven't had enough time to look at all the data yet to work out strategy possibilities for the race, but <strong>if you want to win here you probably need to qualify very near the front</strong> so we'll see where we end up on Saturday.</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Check This Out!</h4> <p>We just can't get enough of the artistic stuff! Check out our new <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lotusf1team/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Pinterest</a> page for all the best behind-the-scenes shots from our Formula 1 travels, in addition to a great selection of pictures from the fans!</p> <p><a data-pin-do="buttonFollow" href="http://pinterest.com/lotusf1team/">Lotus F1 Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Keep in Touch!</h4> <p>Free Practice 3 is next up here at the Circuit de Monaco; the on-track action getting underway at 11:00 local time Saturday morning. Stay tuned to our Official <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Twitter</a> feed, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LotusF1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Facebook</a> profile and <a href="https://plus.google.com/116890489070887664371#116890489070887664371/posts" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Google+</a> page for live session updates, in addition to all the latest paddock news.</p></div> http://lotusf1team.com/eventful-afternoon-in-monte-carlo.html http://lotusf1team.com/eventful-afternoon-in-monte-carlo.html 2013-05-23T12:45:00Z text/html en <p>Mixed emotions here at the Circuit de Monaco; Kimi and Romain both demonstrating strong pace to end the day in P6 / P7, but the latter making an early exit after contact with the Turn 1 barrier<br class='autobr' /> Follow @Lotus_F1Team<br class='autobr' /> Monaco... Music... Magic... Click here to find out what all the fuss is about.<br class='autobr' /> Kimi Räikkönen, E21-03 Position: P6<br class='autobr' /> Fastest Lap: 1:15.511<br class='autobr' /> Laps Completed: 39 Romain Grosjean, E21-02 Position: P7<br class='autobr' /> Fastest Lap: 1:15.718<br class='autobr' /> Laps Completed: 10<br class='autobr' /> [View the story "2013 Monaco (...)</p> - <a href="http://lotusf1team.com/-lotus-f1-team-news-.html" rel="directory">News</a> <img class='spip_logos' alt="" src="http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L700xH467/arton11786-ccd18.jpg" width='700' height='467' /> <div class='rss_chapo'><p>Mixed emotions here at the Circuit de Monaco; Kimi and Romain both demonstrating strong pace to end the day in P6 / P7, but the latter making an early exit after contact with the Turn 1 barrier</p></div> <div class='rss_texte'><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <p><strong>Monaco... Music... Magic... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqqgTIwypZY" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Click here</a> to find out what all the fuss is about.</strong></p> <h3 class="spip">Kimi Räikkönen, E21-03</h3> <p><strong>Position:</strong> P6<br class='manualbr' /><strong>Fastest Lap:</strong> 1:15.511<br class='manualbr' /><strong>Laps Completed:</strong> 39</p> <h3 class="spip">Romain Grosjean, E21-02</h3> <p><strong>Position:</strong> P7<br class='manualbr' /><strong>Fastest Lap:</strong> 1:15.718<br class='manualbr' /><strong>Laps Completed:</strong> 10</p> <script src="//storify.com/LotusF1Team/2013-monaco-grand-prix-free-practice-2.js" type="text/javascript" language="javascript"></script><noscript>[<a href="//storify.com/LotusF1Team/2013-monaco-grand-prix-free-practice-2" target="_blank">View the story "2013 Monaco Grand Prix - Free Practice 2" on Storify</a>]</noscript> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Check This Out!</h4> <p>We just can't get enough of the artistic stuff! Check out our new <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lotusf1team/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Pinterest</a> page for all the best behind-the-scenes shots from our Formula 1 travels, in addition to a great selection of pictures from the fans!</p> <p><a data-pin-do="buttonFollow" href="http://pinterest.com/lotusf1team/">Lotus F1 Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Keep in Touch!</h4> <p>Free Practice 3 is next up here at the Circuit de Monaco; the on-track action getting underway at 11:00 local time Saturday morning. Stay tuned to our Official <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Twitter</a> feed, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LotusF1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Facebook</a> profile and <a href="https://plus.google.com/116890489070887664371#116890489070887664371/posts" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Google+</a> page for live session updates, in addition to all the latest paddock news.</p></div> http://lotusf1team.com/manic-morning-in-monte-carlo-2013.html http://lotusf1team.com/manic-morning-in-monte-carlo-2013.html 2013-05-23T08:45:00Z text/html en <p>Sunshine, softs and surprises were the order of the day during FP1 at the Circuit de Monaco; Kimi and Romain ending the morning in P11 / P3 respectively<br class='autobr' /> Follow @Lotus_F1Team<br class='autobr' /> Monaco... Music... Magic... Click here to find out what all the fuss is about.<br class='autobr' /> Kimi Räikkönen, E21-03 Position: P11<br class='autobr' /> Fastest Lap: 1:17.509<br class='autobr' /> Laps Completed: 26 Romain Grosjean, E21-02 Position: P3<br class='autobr' /> Fastest Lap: 1:16.380<br class='autobr' /> Laps Completed: 21<br class='autobr' /> [View the story "2013 Monaco Grand Prix - Free Practice 1" on Storify] (...)</p> - <a href="http://lotusf1team.com/-lotus-f1-team-news-.html" rel="directory">News</a> <img class='spip_logos' alt="" src="http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L700xH467/arton11782-ce03e.jpg" width='700' height='467' /> <div class='rss_chapo'><p>Sunshine, softs and surprises were the order of the day during FP1 at the Circuit de Monaco; Kimi and Romain ending the morning in P11 / P3 respectively</p></div> <div class='rss_texte'><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <p><strong>Monaco... Music... Magic... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqqgTIwypZY" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Click here</a> to find out what all the fuss is about.</strong></p> <h3 class="spip">Kimi Räikkönen, E21-03</h3> <p><strong>Position:</strong> P11<br class='manualbr' /><strong>Fastest Lap:</strong> 1:17.509<br class='manualbr' /><strong>Laps Completed:</strong> 26</p> <h3 class="spip">Romain Grosjean, E21-02</h3> <p><strong>Position:</strong> P3<br class='manualbr' /><strong>Fastest Lap:</strong> 1:16.380<br class='manualbr' /><strong>Laps Completed:</strong> 21</p> <script src="//storify.com/LotusF1Team/2013-monaco-grand-prix-free-practice-1.js" type="text/javascript" language="javascript"></script><noscript>[<a href="//storify.com/LotusF1Team/2013-monaco-grand-prix-free-practice-1" target="_blank">View the story "2013 Monaco Grand Prix - Free Practice 1" on Storify</a>]</noscript> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Check This Out!</h4> <p>We just can't get enough of the artistic stuff! Check out our new <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lotusf1team/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Pinterest</a> page for all the best behind-the-scenes shots from our Formula 1 travels, in addition to a great selection of pictures from the fans!</p> <p><a data-pin-do="buttonFollow" href="http://pinterest.com/lotusf1team/">Lotus F1 Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Keep in Touch!</h4> <p>Free Practice 2 is next up here at the Circuit de Monaco; the on-track action getting underway at 14:00 local time this afternoon. Stay tuned to our Official <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Twitter</a> feed, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LotusF1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Facebook</a> profile and <a href="https://plus.google.com/116890489070887664371#116890489070887664371/posts" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Google+</a> page for live session updates, in addition to all the latest paddock news.</p></div> http://lotusf1team.com/shine-on-you-crazy-diamond-2013.html http://lotusf1team.com/shine-on-you-crazy-diamond-2013.html 2013-05-22T12:30:00Z text/html en <p>As the countdown to FP1 continues, we hear from race drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Romain Grosjean to gather their thoughts on what's to come at the Circuit de Monaco<br class='autobr' /> Follow @Lotus_F1Team<br class='autobr' /> Check out what Kimi and Romain had to say when we caught up with them for a quick chat on Wednesday afternoon in Monaco: Kimi: "Monaco is completely different to any other circuit"<br class='autobr' /> Romain: "You have to keep your focus 100% of the time at this track"<br class='autobr' /> Follow @Lotus_F1Team<br class='autobr' /> Check This Out! We just can't get (...)</p> - <a href="http://lotusf1team.com/-lotus-f1-team-news-.html" rel="directory">News</a> <img class='spip_logos' alt="" src="http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L700xH467/arton11777-0014a.jpg" width='700' height='467' /> <div class='rss_chapo'><p>As the countdown to FP1 continues, we hear from race drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Romain Grosjean to gather their thoughts on what's to come at the Circuit de Monaco</p></div> <div class='rss_texte'><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <p>Check out what Kimi and Romain had to say when we caught up with them for a quick chat on Wednesday afternoon in Monaco:</p> <h3 class="spip">Kimi: "Monaco is completely different to any other circuit"</h3><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F93386338"></iframe><h3 class="spip">Romain: "You have to keep your focus 100% of the time at this track"</h3><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F93387255"></iframe> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Check This Out!</h4> <p>We just can't get enough of the artistic stuff! Check out our new <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lotusf1team/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Pinterest</a> page for all the best behind-the-scenes shots from our Formula 1 travels, in addition to a great selection of pictures from the fans!</p> <p><a data-pin-do="buttonFollow" href="http://pinterest.com/lotusf1team/">Lotus F1 Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Keep in Touch!</h4> <p>Free Practice 1 is first up here at the Circuit de Monaco; the on-track action getting underway at 10:00 local time tomorrow morning. Stay tuned to our Official <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Twitter</a> feed, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LotusF1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Facebook</a> profile and <a href="https://plus.google.com/116890489070887664371#116890489070887664371/posts" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Google+</a> page for live session updates, in addition to all the latest paddock news.</p></div> http://lotusf1team.com/the-magic-of-monaco-11774.html http://lotusf1team.com/the-magic-of-monaco-11774.html 2013-05-22T07:00:00Z text/html en <p>The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious occasions on the sporting calendar; an event like no other, and a venue that can only be described as truly magical…<br class='autobr' /> Follow @Lotus_F1Team<br class='autobr' /> What is the magic of Monaco? It starts by emerging through the tunnel from France into a world where the Mediterranean sparkles, and all that glitters is probably gold; five days of an improbable fairy-tale, before returning to the real world.<br class='autobr' /> It's in the city pavements, painted red and white all year (...)</p> - <a href="http://lotusf1team.com/-lotus-f1-team-news-.html" rel="directory">News</a> <img class='spip_logos' alt="" src="http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L700xH467/arton11774-1e967.jpg" width='700' height='467' /> <div class='rss_chapo'><p>The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious occasions on the sporting calendar; an event like no other, and a venue that can only be described as truly magical…</p></div> <div class='rss_texte'><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <dl class='spip_document_14726 spip_documents spip_documents_left'><dt> <img src='http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L500xH334/13.05.22.web.news.1.pic.1-47df0.jpg' alt="" width='500' height='334' /></dt></dl> <p><strong>What is the magic of <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/-monaco-gp-.html" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Monaco</a>?</strong> It starts by emerging through the tunnel from France into a world where the Mediterranean sparkles, and all that glitters is probably gold; five days of an improbable fairy-tale, before returning to the real world.</p> <p><strong>It's in the city pavements, painted red and white all year round as a testament to the heroic drivers who flash between them</strong>, or the hundred sets of traffic lights – temporary residents of the city, unbolted and removed as the circus arrives.</p> <p>Monaco's magic bivouacs on the rocky hillside below the palace. The jet-set may party on their yachts – owners zealously comparing size and length – but <strong>this is the people's race and they come in their thousands</strong>, descending on the genteel principality with their brash, infectious passion, proudly flaunting their allegiance and enthusiasm, clinging to the hillside to watch their race.</p> <p>The magic of Monaco is sprinkled over Casino Square on a Saturday evening before the Grand Prix. <strong>Alongside this annual display of automotive bijouterie, any other show of motoring prowess pales into insignificance</strong> – an enthusiasts' car club meet at best.</p> <p><strong>Monaco's magic reverberates in the shriek of Formula 1 engines bouncing between the buildings</strong> for the first time on Thursday morning. During Grand Prix week, the sound of racing engines signals daybreak over the serenity of the city…</p> <p>It's in the spice of danger. Since the 1930s, every metre of barrier has its own tale to tell… <strong>this is a circuit drivers treat with respect, not bravado</strong>. Standing on the outside of the swimming pool, as the cars fly across the kerbs, landing inches from the barrier on full oversteer, black marks trailing behind them. A flash, a blur, they are gone… the spectacle transforming an onlooker into a Formula 1 fan for life in mere seconds.</p> <p>Monaco's magic has deceived even the greatest drivers. Everybody has made a mistake there – and paid for it. <span class="pullquote">A fast lap in Monaco is not an affair of geometry and telemetry; it's about touch and feel</span>. <strong>Drivers cannot avoid the barriers, they must shave them, caress them, treat them as friends – and fear them as enemies</strong>. Nowhere else is the challenge of driving a Formula 1 car so intimate and so intense.</p> <p>It's in each bump, camber and crest that defies downforce, traction control and all else, <strong>illustrating Formula 1 cars as truly, intensely alive</strong> as the drivers wrestle for control.</p> <p><strong>Monaco's magic is in the headaches it gives the engineers</strong>, who grapple for every last point of downforce and let their creativity run free in the search for performance.</p> <p>It's in the tunnel… the noise, the sheer, stunning cacophony of sound as the cars fly plunge into the darkness on the first lap of the race, each jostling for position, flat out, relying on faith and instinct more than reason.</p> <p>The magic of Monaco has been conjured by the great <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayrton_Senna" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Ayrton Senna</a>, who holds a record that has yet beaten; <strong>six victories, including five consecutive triumphs from 1989 to 1993</strong>. Simply magical.</p> <p>What's magical in Monaco is that <strong>every driver arrives with dinner jacket in his luggage</strong>, just in case the roulette wheel stops on his number – and he needs to attend the Victory Ball.</p> <dl class='spip_document_14727 spip_documents spip_documents_left'><dt> <img src='http://lotusf1team.com/local/cache-vignettes/L500xH334/13.05.22.web.news.1.pic.2-4042c.jpg' alt="" width='500' height='334' /></dt></dl> <p>Monaco's magic comes as the race ends. There's no sponsored podium in Monaco, rather <strong>the trophy is awarded with a gentle touch on the shoulder from the Prince</strong>.</p> <p><strong>The magic is that for once, the stars of the show may not be the richest men in the paddock</strong>, as Prince Albert searches out the celebrating, winning team wherever they may be on Sunday night to share in their jubilation – and buy them a drink.</p> <p>The spirits of the greats live on here. The Casino, Tabac, the tunnel… all landmarks Nuvolari could discuss with Senna, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Manuel_Fangio" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Fangio</a> with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Schumacher" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Schumacher</a>. <strong>The past gathers no dust in Monaco, it is tangible and alive in every twist and turn of the tarmac.</strong></p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Lotus_F1Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Check This Out!</h4> <p>We just can't get enough of the artistic stuff! Check out our new <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lotusf1team/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Pinterest</a> page for all the best behind-the-scenes shots from our Formula 1 travels, in addition to a great selection of pictures from the fans!</p> <p><a data-pin-do="buttonFollow" href="http://pinterest.com/lotusf1team/">Lotus F1 Team</a></p> <h4 class="spip">Keep in Touch!</h4> <p>Free Practice 1 is first up here at the Circuit de Monaco; the on-track action getting underway at 10:00 local time tomorrow morning. Stay tuned to our Official <a href="http://www.lotusf1team.com/" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Lotus_F1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Twitter</a> feed, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LotusF1Team" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Facebook</a> profile and <a href="https://plus.google.com/116890489070887664371#116890489070887664371/posts" class='spip_out' rel='external'>Google+</a> page for live session updates, in addition to all the latest paddock news.</p></div>