Lotus will use the 2015 Mercedes power unit in Jerez, contrary to reports from Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport which reported that only Mercedes and customer team Williams would get use of the latest spec.
The story was carried by a number of other publications and led to some fans questioning the apparent bias against Lotus, which switched to Mercedes power from Renault this year.
However, the Enstone outfit has clarified that it will be running the latest power unit – that used by Mercedes itself – and not an older version.
Contrary to what you may read, we are using the latest Mercedes engine in the E23, not something from the archives… pic.twitter.com/EfjD0ScMWG
— Lotus F1 Team (@Lotus_F1Team) January 27, 2015
The team is due to launch its new car at the first pre-season test in Jerez, which begins on Monday.
All but one team will run their 2015 challengers, that being fourth Mercedes customer Force India which has opted to delay the VJM08’s debut until the second test in Barcelona two weeks later.