Lotus launch E21

Lotus have launched their new challenger for the 2013 Formula One World Championship.

The Enstone based team are the first to unveil their new car after doing an online launch which was also screened on Sky Sports News.

With little regulation changes between 2012 and 2013 there is little to distinguish with the naked eye between last years car and this years new model.

The stepped broken nose is still a feature and with less aerodynamic bits and pieces making the bodywork look messy, its a very slick looking car and still boasting the John Player Special black and gold livery.

So the hope for Lotus, who of course have previously won Formula One World Championships with Michael Schumacher in their Benetton days and with Fernando Alonso in their Renault guise is that this car is an evolution of the one that in 2012 won one race and consistently challenged for podium positions.

'Nothing I saw last year made me think that another championship was impossible in the future. Of course, there is some pretty tough competition out there and everyone wants to win. The team have beaten everyone before and there's nothing to say they can't do it again.' Raikkonen told Sky Sports following the launch of the new Lotus.

'I've not driven the E21 yet so it's difficult to say what could or could not be possible, We know we had a good car last season, but everyone is working hard to make the best car. I will be working with the team to help get the car as strong as we can, then in Melbourne we'll have our first taste of results.

'It's a long season from there. 2012 was a good start; let's see what we can do in 2013.'