Grosjean: Time for Lotus to remind paddock of our quality
Romain Grosjean says it is time for his Lotus team to remind everyone how good they can be as they prepare for the Formula 1 season opener in Australia.
The Frenchman suffered a horrendous 2014 season as he and the Lotus team struggled to get to grips with the Renault power unit and the new engine regulations implemented last year.
However, after switching to Mercedes power for 2015 the Lotus E23 Hybrid has performed consistently during winter testing, leaving both Grosjean and his team-mate Pastor Maldonado pleasantly satisified.
Looking ahead to the season's opening race at Albert Park, Grosjean hopes to remind the rest of the Formula 1 paddock of his impressive performances in 2012 and 2013 rather than last year's miserable run.
"This season will be very much about reminding people how good Lotus F1 Team and Romain Grosjean can be," Grosjean said. "People have very short memories in Formula 1 and it's true we had a tough fight for results in 2014 so some people have forgotten the performance we showed in 2013 and 2012. We have a lot more potential for strong results this season so we'll be pushing to show that at every race, and what better a place or time than at Albert Park.
"This time last year we were nowhere, so this year is particularly positive. For sure, we still have work to do and our car's not perfect, but we have a great platform from which to build and I'm sure we'll have lots of good developments to come with the E23."
Grosjean says the Australian Grand Prix is one of his favourite races on the calendar and anticipates another fantastic reception from the fans. He is also hoping to banish last year's disappointing race when he retired on lap 43 due to power unit problems.
"Albert Park is still one of my favourite Grand Prix circuits, so it will be good to get there and get the season started and there's always a great atmosphere," he added. "It's a fantastic track and the changing scenery as you drive through the park is incredible.
"We know it can be a tricky circuit; it's not a permanent track so the surface and its layout gives us plenty to think about.
"For us the weekend will be maximising the time on track, aiming to finish the race and getting the best result possible."
The 28-year-old is set to commence his fourth consecutive season with the Lotus F1 team and has an optimistic outlook ahead of the new season.
"I'm in a good place. I've had a great winter where I've been able to spend time with my wife and son," he said. "I've done plenty of training. I've been at the factory and I've been out in the new car so everything's been going well in the pre-season build-up. I head to Australia very eager to jump in the car and get out on track."
