Wet conditions in Jerez greeted Lotus Racing on Thursday as Heikki Kovalainen had his first taste of the car. Eager to get his day underway, the Finn was the first driver on the Spanish track when 9 o’clock arrived. He completed his installation lap and returned to the pits to give positive initial feedback to the team about his first drive in the Lotus Cosworth T127.

However with the rain soon hitting the circuit, 30 laps later a small mistake from the Finnish racer saw him off track and ending his first session in the new car earlier than planned. Despite this minor setback, Heikki had an overall good impression from the car in which he will be contesting the 2010 Formula One season....

“My initial feeling from the car is good - it fundamentally feels right. I’m disappointed the day came to an early end, but feel good about the team and I’m looking forward to getting back in the car tomorrow.”

Team Principal Tony Fernandes made his first visit to the Jerez test to see the Lotus Racing team in action and at the end of the day he too was feeling very positive:

“Still a great day in many ways,” he said. “You get the highs and the lows and you get the reality but overall I’m happy. The team is very motivated, there’s a lot of good morale and, while it’s unfortunate Heikki went off, these things happen.”