Trulli says Team Lotus needs a 'bit of a step' to fight in the midfield next year

The team, which made its F1 debut last year, was aiming to fight in the midfield this season but has been unable to do so regularly, instead being the quickest of the bottom squads.

Trulli reckons, however, that Lotus just needs a "bit of a step" in order to be fighting with middle-of-the-field squads.

"If you look at certain results we don't need a jump, we just need a bit of a step," said Trulli on Thursday in India.

"The cars in front are slightly quicker than us and the cars behind us are slower than us. You need to take it step by step."

The Italian also defended his team's decision to not replace him with Karun Chandhok this weekend in India, as it aims to secure tenth place in the Constructors' Championship.

"The team is trying to get the best position for its future," he said. "Obviously there is a lot of investment made for the team for next year in order to make step and we don't want to lose opportunity to finish 10th in the championship, which is main reason for not giving Karun the chance. It is not up to me to talk about it."

Trulli said he was impressed with the Buddh circuit, but admitted he was worried about the dust on track.

"The circuit itself seems pretty good. They should be happy to have such a circuit in India especially for the future of this country in motorsport.

"The question mark is about dust. I have been around cycling and it was very dusty. I hope they can clean today and tomorrow morning and see how the circuit develops over the weekend."