Romain Grosjean: “I can’t wait for it to start!”
Romain Grosjean was the second French driver confirmed in Formula 1 for 2012, right after Charles Pic at Marussia and before Jean-Eric Vergne at Toro Rosso. This was an opportunity for him to reflect on this exciting announcement and the future that awaits him with the Lotus-Renault team. He answered a few questions on the team's official website.
Q: Romain, you were confirmed as a full-time driver for Lotus Renault GP ten days ago. What major changes has this brought to your life?
The big change is that I wake up very happy every morning! Apart from that, I can now fully focus on next year and physically prepare myself for Formula 1. I went to Enstone last week and it was a pleasure to visit the factory as a racing driver.
Q: You talk about the physical preparation required for F1. Does this create significant differences in the way you train?
My training remains very similar. But now I have to focus on strengthening the neck, which is essential for an F1 driver and very difficult to work on. The main concern with winter training is trying not to catch a cold outside!
Q: Have you ever met Kimi?
Yes, last week. And he is nice. I believe we have more or less the same philosophy, giving our best for the team’s benefit and achieving good results next year. I look forward to working with him.
Q: When will you start working with the engineers for next year?
The positive point for me is that I have already worked with the team at the end of this season. I met the guys last week and I even had the chance to go for a tour in the wind tunnel and see next year’s car. It’s always special for a driver to see the car in the development phase and to see people working so hard to provide us with a good car for next season.
Q: What are your goals for the pre-season tests?
I’m going to give everything I can to help with the best possible development of the car before Melbourne. The tests are essential in preparing for the season and I look forward to working with the team and providing my feedback on the car so that we are ready for Australia. Each driver will only have 6 days of running before the start of the season, so every test kilometer must be useful. I’m eagerly looking forward to it starting!
Q: What are your plans for the Christmas holidays? Anything special?
«I’m going to train hard until Christmas and then take a few days to relax on a beach and enjoy the sun before January. But most of all, I’m looking forward to returning to Enstone to meet the team and prepare for the February tests. »
Q: Rumor has it that you like to cook. Are you going to prepare Christmas dinner for the Grosjean family?
(laughs) Yes. I am the one who will cook for the whole family. Which is always a pleasure. I’m trying to find new recipes for Christmas, so we’ll see how it turns out! (smiles)
