Ocon completes successful test for Lotus F1 Team

Lotus F1 Team Junior driver Esteban Ocon has completed his two-day test for Lotus F1 Team at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo accumulating over 650 kilometres in the two year-old Lotus F1 Team E20 over the course of the last two days, October 22-23.

Esteban is conducting this test as part of the Lotus F1 Team Junior programme and as a reward for winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship in his rookie season. He impressed the Lotus F1 Team engineers present with his application, feedback and pace.

Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director, Lotus F1 Team:

“Esteban drove exceptionally well over the course of the last two days, completing every task we asked of him. It’s clear he has a lot of talent as he was quickly up to speed and looked comfortable in the car. His feedback and aptitude were very promising. I’m sure we will see him in an F1 car again before too long.”

Esteban Ocon

Esteban, how did it feel to drive an F1 car for the first time?

The word that best describes my feeling is just ’quicker’! It felt faster everywhere on track. The E20 was great to drive, easy to handle and really stable. I really enjoyed it; it’s a great car.

What went through your mind when you left the garage for the first time?

I was focused on my job and what I had to do. I didn’t think things like ‘I’m driving an F1 car!’ or stressing about it. No, I was concentrating on the information my engineer was giving me and to keep doing what he said.

Is driving a Formula 1 car more complex than any other single-seater you have driven before?

It is very different and the procedures are a lot more complex. The team explained everything to me very well and made me feel very comfortable with everything. It all went perfectly and I got used to it very quickly.

How about the entourage of mechanics and engineers that were around you during these two days? Did it feel like you suddenly had a big team?

Certainly it was different. Everyone did a fantastic job during these two days. They all did everything to make me feel at ease in the team and I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to work with them.

What does this experience leave you with…

I’ve learnt a lot these last couple of days and I’m hoping to get the chance to drive with the team again soon!