Despite a struggling campaign in 2010, during which the only positive aspect of his career was getting to beat veteran teammate Jarno Trulli consistently in qualy and race, the Finn believes his team now has what it takes to start battling for race positions each weekend.
“In terms of speed, the car looks a lot better than where we were a year ago,” Kovalainen told Finland's Turun Sanomat about the development of the new Lotus T128 racer and the way it feels after the first few group tests in Valencia and Jerez.
“When comparing the feeling in the garage and the progress of one year, it's like night and day. I'm really happy with it,” enthusiastically added the Finn.
“(The car's) balance is better and there is more grip, and it can be driven harder. The chassis is much more modern. Engine, gearbox and hydraulics have also been completely upgraded and are now at the level of a modern F1 car.”
Additionally, he also referred to his personal goals for the campaign to come, saying that a realistic aim for him personally would be to start scoring some points for the team.
“I don't think about whether we are going to catch up with Toro Rosso, Force India or Sauber. My personal goal is to get some points in those races in which it is possible. As a team we have definitely taken a step forward, which I expected. I am more convinced than ever that the move to Lotus was a good decision,” he concluded.
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