Lotus Renault team principal Eric Boullier is confident that the Formula 1 team are in better shape for the start of the new campaign.

The drivers will begin the 2013 season at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, and Boullier has insisted that Lotus's pre-season testing has proven that they can contend.

"We can take quite a bit of confidence following pre-season testing," BBC Sport quotes Boullier as saying. "We didn't complete as many laps as we wanted, but we were able to work through most of the items in our itinerary.

"I believe we have kept the main strength of the car from last year, which was very conservative on tyre wear and degradation. We've also proven our capability to deliver one-lap pace, which is important for qualifying."

Kimi Raikkonen, who missed out on a podium place by finishing seventh in Australia last year, and Romain Grosjean will line up for the team this season.