PlanetF1

Boullier downplays title talk

Monday 18-March-2013 11:42

Eric Boullier has downplayed talk of Lotus launching a title run despite Kimi Raikkonen claiming the first win of the season.

A two-stop strategy and superior pace in the closing laps saw Raikkonen pip Fernando Alonso to the Australian GP victory by 12 seconds. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel was a further 10 of the pace.

But despite what Raikkonen billed as an "easy" win on Sunday, Boullier says his team is chasing a top finish but not the very top spot.

Asked if Lotus were 'definitely in a position' to challenge for the title, the Lotus boss told Autosport: "No.

"The only thing that I am focusing on is that we have clearly stated we want to be a top team.

"Starting the season like this means we will fight with everything for the Championship, but it is too early to say anything other than Lotus is a top team now.

"And if every year we are putting ourselves in a situation where we can compete for wins, then you can build up from the nice momentum to maybe be Champion again."