Gascoyne's Lotus team have yet to score a world championship point

Lotus hope to start registering podium finishes within two seasons, says technical director Mike Gascoyne.

The Norfolk-based team have been the strongest of this term's three new competitors, but have yet to register a championship point.

Speaking from testing at Duxford airfield Gascoyne told BBC Radio Norfolk: "We're expecting to make a big step and be a points scorer next year.

"And then maybe we can get podiums the year after that."

Finn Heikki Kovalainen secured the team's highest grid position of the season at the Belgian Gran Prix, converting that into a 16th-placed finish on Sunday.

Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Gascoyne is satisfied with the progress Lotus have made.

"This time a year ago we didn't even have an entry, I think there were only three of us working on the project," he said.

"To get into Formula One and be the best of the new teams is a great step.

"But we're now about 220 people, fully focused on next years' car. We're looking to make a very big step."

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