Lotus: pressure is on Ferrari and Mercedes in Formula 1 2013 run-in

The Enstone-based outfit has scored 58 points in the last two grands prix, which has allowed it to close a 68-point deficit to second-placed Ferrari to just 33 points.

That strong form has left Lotus chief Eric Boullier bullish about the chances of further gains.

When asked by AUTOSPORT if Lotus could sniff an opportunity to overhaul Mercedes and Ferrari now, he said: "I think it is more they are sniffing us. The pressure is on them, not us.

"We are 23 points behind Mercedes and 33 with Ferrari. It is a bit ambitious maybe, but if we can keep going like this then we can close on second place, yes."

UPCOMING TRACKS SUIT LOTUS

Lotus head of trackside operations Alan Permane thinks that there is every opportunity to move up because the tracks coming up, as well as the tyre compound choices, should suit the characteristics of the team's E21.

"The gap was 60-odd points and now it is 30-odd points, which is massive in two races," he said.

"The rest of the circuits are very similar to Korea and Japan - the same sort of downforce level. We also have medium and soft tyres for the next few races, which we love and will be great for us.

"We know we can race well on that medium tyre, and no one is going to be improving their car.

"We are clearly quicker than Ferrari in qualifying and the race, although they have got Fernando [Alonso], who is their secret weapon. But if he is qualifying back in eighth then even he is going to struggle from there.

"And Mercedes, we are similar in pace in qualifying, maybe a bit slower than them, but I think we can race quicker than them.

"There is still a long way to go and a lot to do in four races, but we are doing what we can. I think we can pick one of them off and we will try to get both of them."

Battle for second place:

          Points  Score in last two GPs
Ferrari    297         23
Mercedes   287         20
Lotus      264         58