Lotus technical director Nick Chester is backing the Enstone-based team to bounce back after their interest in Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix ended on the first lap.

Pastor Maldonado was shunted into the barriers after being clipped by Sauber’s Felipe Nasr, while Romain Grosjean was forced to retire with an engine problem.

Qualifying in Melbourne had gone well for the duo, with Grosjean eighth and fellow driver Maldonado starting ninth on the grid before it all went wrong in the race, which was won by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

“A very short race for us to end a weekend full of promise,” said Chester.

“We ran very reliably in pre-season testing, but sometimes certain issues don’t manifest themselves until the season starts.

“Everyone back in Enstone will get to the root of the issue and we’ll come back fighting in Malaysia.

“Fortunately it was one race in 20 and we’ve demonstrated over the weekend that the E23 Hybrid has tremendous potential.”

Deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi added: “This is not the way any team wants to start the season and there were a few choice words in the garage when we realised our race was over so soon.

“It was particularly frustrating as we had great potential to deliver very strong results.

“The team is not downcast, however, and we have a lot of enthusiasm for the races ahead.

“The whole vibe of the team is tremendously positive.”

Maldonado said: “Racing is like this.

“It was quite a busy start, going into a narrow corner.

“I just felt a big hit on the back and didn’t see what happened.

“It’s disappointing because it was a great chance for us to have a great race.”