A profile of the Lotus Formula 1 team

Lotus team chief Eric Boullier saw his team fall away in the second half of 2011

EDDIE JORDAN'S 2012 VIEW

"Lotus, who were known as Renault last year, clearly want to make a big impression this season as they have signed 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

"Last year began brightly with two successive podiums, but that form soon disappeared and they looked to have gone backwards compared to 2010.

"Losing Robert Kubica, who was not available following his horrific rallying accident last February, was a big loss.

"The team were quick in testing but we'll have to wait and see whether that form translates into results when we start racing.

"Let's not forget that this is a team that in different forms won world titles as Benetton and Renault, so these people know what they're doing."

MEET THE BOSS - ERIC BOULLIER

Can you explain your team's philosophy in three words?

Integrity, passion, determination.

What is the most difficult thing about being a team boss?

Nothing is too challenging or difficult if you are surrounded by a great team! More seriously, the most difficult task is maybe to give everybody the time they deserve. The human side of the job is very important. I think it's the key to success.

What kind of team boss are you - hairdryer treatment or arm around the shoulder?

Arm around shoulder, tough when needed, but always fair.

LOTUS FACTS AND STATS Nationality: French Headquarters: Enstone (UK) and Paris (France) Debut season: 1977 Drivers: Kimi Raikkonen Romain Grosjean Reserve drivers: Jerome D'Ambrosio (Bel) Team principal: Eric Boullier Technical director: James Allison Engine: Renault V8 2011 position: 5th (as Renault) Constructors' titles: 2

What is F1's biggest challenge?

The main challenge is to keep and nurture the fans, and continually improve the show. Without them we are nothing.

There's also a fantastic challenge for F1 in the years to come - the technologies we'll use in the near future absolutely need to take the environment parameter into account. The FIA are working hard on it, and I give them all my support.

The best piece of advice you've ever given a driver is...

Bring back the car on three wheels if you need to, but I want to start from pole!

The best piece of advice I have ever received is...

Always be fair to people you work with. Those you deal with on your way to the top, you may find again if you're falling down one day.

What was you first paid job?

Engine engineer.

What time do you set your alarm clock for?

6.30am.

Team Lotus 2011 Season Stats

Last updated: Thursday, 15 November 2012 12:31 UK

Race	Date	Race Pts	Total Pts
Australian GP	27 Mar 2011	15	15
Malaysian GP	10 Apr 2011	15	30
Chinese GP	17 Apr 2011	2	32
Turkish GP	8 May 2011	10	42
Spanish GP	22 May 2011	4	46
Monaco GP	29 May 2011	4	50
Canadian Grand Prix	12 Jun 2011	10	60
European GP	26 Jun 2011	1	61
British GP	10 Jul 2011	4	65
German GP	24 Jul 2011	1	66
Hungarian GP	31 Jul 2011	0	66
Belgian GP	28 Aug 2011	2	68
Italian GP	11 Sep 2011	2	70
Singapore GP	25 Sep 2011	0	70
Japanese GP	9 Oct 2011	2	72
Korean Grand Prix	16 Oct 2011	0	72
Indian Grand Prix	30 Oct 2011	0	72
Abu Dhabi GP	13 Nov 2011	0	72
Brazilian GP	27 Nov 2011	1	73