Mercedes engine upgrade boost for Lotus

© XPB 

Lotus F1 Team is looking forward to a power unit upgrade Mercedes may introduce in Canada to further evolve the performance of its E23 contender.

While Lotus still remains in the mid-field this season, the Enstone outfit has thoroughly improved its fortunes compared to last year thanks largely to its switch over the winter from Renault to Mercedes power.

Speaking on Sky Sports F1 Show, Lotus CEO Matthew Carter believes its German engine supplier may have put to good use some of the remaining tokens destined to further the power unit's development.

“It is a new engine and an upgrade as well," Carter said. "I think they may have used tokens, so we definitely have an upgraded engine.”

As the team makes further progress, Carter believes Lotus shall be in a position in Canada to challenge Red Bull and Force India.

"It should be a good race for us. We believe on this circuit we should have the fourth quickest car, we can’t touch Mercedes, Ferrari or Williams, but we can hope to be the fourth quickest there. We have a lot of upgrades on the car in terms of brake cooling, but I am sure all the teams are doing the same things. Fingers crossed it should be good."

Click here for a look at the FIA's clampdown on front wing flexibility 

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter