A less than perfect start to the season for the Lotus engined Indycars in St Petersburg today, with 3 of the 5 Lotus entrants retiring with technical difficulties in a race which saw the debut of not just the Judd developed Lotus engine but also the new Dallara DW12 chassis and aero-package.

There was some positive news however, with Sebastien Bourdais looking competitive mid-race having started last on the grid. The Frenchman ran strongly, catching and passing Chevy and Honda engined cars and reaching as high as 2nd place before retiring 27 laps from the end.

At the chequered flag Alex Tagliani came home first of the Lotus runners, coming in 1 lap down and in 15th out of 19 finishers from the original 26 car grid for Lotus Bryan Herta Autosport. Oriel Servia was 16th in the Lotus Dreyer & Reinbold Racing car.

Discussion: SELOC Chat – Indycar – St Petersburg Race

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