Lotus have confirmed that they will drop their DDRS device and will instead focus on implementing the Coanda-effect exhaust layout during this weekend’s Korean Grand Prix, after weeks of failed attempts to try and implement the much talked about DDRS system. It is believed this device will not return until the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test later this year.
For many race weekends now, Lotus have been extensively testing their own rendition of the Double-DRS device, commonly known as the DDRS or the DRD. However, after further testing work was carried out during practice for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, the team have finally come to the conclusion of suspending work on the device. Instead, the Enstone-based outfit will begin work on implementing the Coanda-effect exhaust layout, which has recently been introduced by Mercedes after extensive test work during the Magny-Cours Young Driver Test.
"We’ve been ploughing something of a lonely furrow on the circuit with our relatively straightforward, power-maximizing exhaust." explained Lotus technical director James Allison. "However, since well before the launch of the E20 and to the present day we’ve been carrying out parallel developments in our wind tunnel programme based around a Coanda-effect exhaust. Once we saw the potential gain of the Coanda system surpass that of our current design it was clear that we needed to implement it, both for the benefit we could get in the last quarter of this season and also for learning experience it presents us for next year. We will run our first version of this style of exhaust in Korea."
Lotus have yet to win a race this season, despite a highly competitive year with the return of former World Champion Kimi Raikkonen and the addition of reigning GP2 Champion Romain Grosjean to the outfit. So far the team have finished on the podium on numerous occasions with both drivers, however they have yet to secure what is becoming an elusive victory for the team. Both Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean will be hoping the introduction of the Coanda-effect exhaust system enables them to challenge for victories, as this competitive season draws to a thrilling conclusion.
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