Lotus will be looking to end the 2010 Formula One World Championship with a good performance in Abu Dhabi after a mixed return to the Championship this year. They might not be in the title fight but they have certainly made an impression in their first year back since they left the Championship in 1994.

The reliability might have been appalling but the team have developed and grown as a unit and their unity through the season should set them up for next year’s challenge. Along with their reliability frustrations the team have often been the centre of attention when it comes to controversy, with Heikki Kovalainen’s collision with Mark Webber being a particular low for Lotus and Red Bull in the course of the season.

The final challenge for Lotus in 2010 will be the Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, a purpose built circuit, similar in length and design to the Monaco street circuit. With the majority of corners being open and high speed, the teams might look to the aero packages to gain an advantage.

Although the circuit is only in its second year on the Formula One calendar, the race will present the final run for the title between Alonso, Webber, Vettel and Hamilton. Critically, last years race was won by Sebastien Vettel for Red Bull and the resurgence of the Austrian team in the last race at Brazil could suggest what is likely to come in the final race.

Lotus might have more input in the title race than they might think, the Anglo-Malaysian side have previously come to blows with the title challengers. Kovalainen’s collision with Webber at Valencia was a particularly spectacular moment in the course of the Championship.

As perrenial back markers in the course of the season, Lotus will need to keep alert during the race as the top teams queue up to lap them. The team already know their limits and how to drive to their limits, with Kovalainen out to beat his season best 12th finish, incidentally the highest finish from a driver in the new teams.

Jarno Trulli will also want to emulate his season best 13th place finish this year, particularly as the Lotus will be using the old Cosworth engine and gearbox for the final time in Abu Dhabi.

In terms of layout the Yas Marina circuit has one of the most advanced designs on the calendar featuring 21 corners spread across five and a half kilometres. It doesn’t sound like much but over a 55 lap race in the punishing Arabian heat, the teams could fall victim to reliability issues, particularly with many of the teams being down to their final engine allocations for the season.

The season has been a rollercoaster ride for the new teams and Lotus will be hoping for a quiet race by the bay, with 2011 in mind the team will be determined to end the season with a final flourish.

Related posts: