Lead driver Romain Grosjean likened driving last year 's car to trying to shoot baskets with a rugby ball .
Lotus has now switched to industry - leading Mercedes power and the first signs from the new E23 car were positive .
Lead driver Romain Grosjean likened driving last year 's car to trying to shoot baskets with a rugby ball , but Lotus has now switched to industry - leading Mercedes power and the first signs from the new E23 car were positive .