Jarno Trulli agrees with Lotus F1 team principal Tony Fernandes that they will win a race somewhere down the line.
The team debuted in Bahrain on Sunday and saw Trulli’s team-mate Heikki Kovalainen as the only finisher from among the six drivers among the three first-timers as he came home in 15th place.
Trulli unfortunately had to retire in the final lap but Lotus certainly had a better day than the Virgin and HRT teams, neither of whom had a finisher, and Trulli says the early signs are very encouraging for Fernandes’ outfit.
“I made a good start and avoided the accident at the second corner, but found myself in the gravel so, at that stage, I was nearly last," Trulli reflected on the back of Sunday’s race.
“I started picking up pace and catching the people in front, but the car was understeering quite a lot and I couldn't really predict the balance. At the pit-stop, the team - who did a really good job - changed the front wing setting and I started pushing again and putting in some good laps.
"At the end of the race, I had a hydraulic problem so I just had to get it to the end of the race.
"However, I'm really happy and proud for the team because, in six months, every single target we have fixed we have met so it's really good. As Tony said, one day Lotus will win and I hope to be here when we do.”