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Lotus seeks private test

Embattled Lotus will ask its Formula 1 rivals for permission to conduct a three-day private test after it has resolved a chassis flaw.

The former Renault team pulled out of the Barcelona test after the unspecified problem was identified early during the opening day's test session.

With pre-season preparations limited to just three tests in 2012, in February's Barcelona running will be the last before the championship begins in Australia.

F1 race commentator Oskari Saari, working for the Finnish broadcaster MTV3, said Lotus has confirmed to him that it will seek permission to make up for this week's lost running in the form of a three-day private test.

HELPING HAND

Saari said: "As they are based in Britain, then you would think that it would be at Silverstone."

Recently at Jerez, Mercedes departed the opening pre-season test a day early and then made up for it with a private day of running at Barcelona on February 26th.

Saari admitted it is possible the other teams will not be keen to allow Lotus to modify its programme, given the pace of the new E20 car at Jerez.

Saari said: "However, I would imagine it is quite likely that the request will go through. Every now and then, every team sometimes needs a helping hand from the others."
 
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