- Caterham F1, formerly Team Lotus, is the first to launch its 2012 racecar, dubbed CT01.
- The new car is also the first of the redesigned F1 racecars to reflect the new rules for the 2012 season, notably one involving chassis height that is forcing teams to adopt a "stepped" nose.
- Caterham this year will get engines from Renault and gearboxes and KERS speed-boost systems from Red Bull.
LONDON — Caterham F1, formerly Team Lotus, is the first to launch its 2012 racecar, dubbed CT01. The new car is also the first of the redesigned F1 cars to reflect the new rules for the 2012 season, notably one involving chassis height that is forcing teams to adopt a "stepped" nose.
Wearing green livery, the Caterham CT01 is based heavily on last year's chassis. It will use engines from Renault and gearboxes and KERS speed-boost systems from Red Bull.
Under the Lotus banner, the team finished 10th the past two seasons. For 2012, driving chores will be handled by Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli, although there is widespread media speculation that Trulli could be replaced by Russian driver Vitaly Petrov.
Most of the major F1 teams expect to reveal their new designs ahead of pre-season track testing, which is slated to begin February 7 at Jerez, Spain. The season opener is the Australian Grand Prix on March 18.
Inside Line says: Not nearly as "ugly" as its detractors claim.
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stonehammer says:
07:17 PM, 01/28/2012
nascar has led to better ice chest, beer, and jean short technology that we all use
stovt001 says:
12:46 PM, 01/27/2012
"For years now, I've been trying to remember what technology has transferred from Nascar to the cars we drive on a daily basis."
Stickers that stay on at speed?
diggertsi says:
08:47 PM, 01/26/2012
For years now, I've been trying to remember what technology has transferred from Nascar to the cars we drive on a daily basis. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
bgp001 says:
05:02 PM, 01/26/2012
If F1 is a soap then Nascar is what? The creationism channel? F1 is the gold standard for technological innovation in motorsport.
mbukukanyau says:
12:52 PM, 01/26/2012
So the Italian English German and a few starring appearances by foreigners soap opera is about to start again ?
Man F1 is such a soap, its not even funny.
duck87 says:
09:19 AM, 01/26/2012
I don't know who these detractors are, but the car certainly isn't very attractive. But then again... who cares if it can lead Caterham up the field?