Lotus appoints Chester as technical director

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

ENSTONE, England — 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 said in a statement Wednesday that the challenge now 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 said Chester’s experience with this and next year’s car would ensure a smooth transition.

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

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