“A massive step” (Lotus race review)

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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 TrulliHeikki Kovalainen
Qualifying position2019
Qualifying time comparison (Q1)1’18.698 (+0.461)1’18.237
Race position16
Average race lap1’27.572 (+3.677)1’23.894
Laps42/7068/70
Pit stops43

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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

    Browse all 2010 Canadian Grand Prix articles

    Author information

    Keith Collantine
    Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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    6 comments on ““A massive step” (Lotus race review)”

    1. 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.

    2. I have to say kovy os doing a fantastic job this season. He seems to have his confidence back.

    3. I didn’t relealise that Kovi actually *lapped* his other newcomer siblings. Well done indeed!

    4. yep – excellent work from Lotus.. give em another couple of seasons and they’ll be right up there fighting for points

    5. 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.

    6. 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.

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