Lotus team principal Eric Boullier is demanding more from Romain Grosjean in his second full season of F1.
“Romain has superb raw speed which we are confident will be harnessed in a more effective manner during races in 2013,” he said at the launch of the team’s 2013 car.
Grosjean was often on a par with team mate Kimi Raikkonen in qualifying last year and scored three podium finishes. But he also attracted criticism after a series of crashes and was banned from the Italian Grand Prix after triggering a destructive pile-up at Spa.
“We know that both drivers work well together and their skills and talents complement each other. Kimi has such a wide range of experience and he knows how to react to any situation or circumstance. He’s also a superb resource technically,” added Boullier.
“Both are competitive individuals – as racing drivers are – and this pushes each one of them and the team to better things. It was clear how much we benefitted from having two very talented drivers in 2012 and I can only see this getting even better in 2013.”
Lotus finished fourth in the constructors’ championship in 2012 and Boullier expects more this year:
“I think it is fair to say that great things are possible. The leap we made from 2011 to 2012 showed what we are capable of.
“Add to this the continuity and potential of our driver line-up and we have a very powerful cocktail for the season ahead. Our ambitious plan to turn ourselves into one of the top teams in Formula One is coming to fruition and now we need to harness this with strong and regular podium results.”
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Image © Lotus/LAT
BasCB (@bascb)
28th January 2013, 22:11
Nice way to say it. I think just about everyone agrees on this: Grosjean needs to finish in most races, barring technical issues.
Oople
28th January 2013, 22:26
Let’s assume that Lotus get into the Top 3.
At which current Top 3’s expense will this be at? Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren.
Kingshark (@kingshark)
28th January 2013, 22:37
McLaren is my bet.
BarnstableD (@barnstabled)
28th January 2013, 22:50
I’m a fan but…
“Kimi has such a wide range of experience and he knows how to react to any situation or circumstance.”
Such as what to do when you run wide and off track in Brazil…?
Kanman1
29th January 2013, 4:42
he knew where he was heading, but the gate was closed….so yea!!
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
29th January 2013, 4:23
Is it just me, or does Eric Boullier always look like he is ready to chew rocks?