Lotus now ready to join ’second group’

Lotus thinks it is ready to join the action in the "second group" behind the title-warring Mercedes and Ferrari.

Like most teams, the Enstone camp has brought what driver Romain Grosjean refers to as a "major upgrade" for its 2015 car to Barcelona.

"Unlike last year, we now have a car that allows development," the French driver is quoted by Brazil’s Globo. "I want to come up right behind (Daniel) Ricciardo."

"Our goal is to fight with Red Bull."

Australian Ricciardo, driving for Red Bull, is currently ’best of the rest’ in the championship behind all of the Mercedes, Ferrari and Williams drivers.

But Williams’ technical boss Pat Symonds says he is not worried about the threat posed by Lotus.

"No," he told Britain’s Sky. "Like many teams, they really are quite tight on budget and therefore I think the development they’ll be able to do is somewhat limited."

Lotus’ deputy boss Federico Gastaldi, however, begs to differ, insisting the black and gold-liveried team is now ready to join the ’second group’ in 2015.

"I believe that Williams, Red Bull and ourselves will fight for the positions behind Mercedes and Ferrari, who are still quite a long way in front," he said.