Lotus Appoints Chester as Technical Director

ENSTONE, England (AP) - Lotus has appointed Nick Chester as its technical director, replacing James Allison who is leaving the Formula One team.

Chester is a familiar face at Lotus, having worked at the team since 2000, including as engineering director and head of performance systems.

Chester says the challenge is "to keep pushing development of this year's E21 (model) whilst developing next year's car to a set of very different regulations."

Team Principal Eric Boullier says Chester's experience with this and next year's car would ensure a smooth transition.

Lotus is second in the constructors' championship after several strong finishes, including Kimi Raikkonen's victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

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