Grosjean highlights the good potential of his Lotus in Austin
Despite struggling and only managing the slowest time in the qualifying session for the United States Grand Prix, Romain Grosjean remains optimistic for tomorrow's race as he has regained good sensations with his E22. The same goes for Pastor Maldonado, who hopes to finish in the points at tomorrow's race.
After an encouraging FP3, Romain Grosjean was unable to deliver during the qualifying session this afternoon in Austin. The French driver did not find a Lotus as competitive as in the morning, but he prefers to remain optimistic and relies on the good potential demonstrated by the E22 to move up in the race.
The car was good this morning, I loved the driving and even said it was the best car I’ve driven in a while! Unfortunately, I didn’t have the same feelings during qualifying and really struggled to find rhythm, Grosjean explains.
« My car worked well this morning, like Pastor’s during qualifying, so there is still potential in what will be a long race, with few stops to help shake up the hierarchy, » adds the Frenchman who only managed the 18th fastest time in qualifying but will start from the 16th position on the grid tomorrow.
Optimism is in order for Pastor Maldonado, who narrowly missed reaching the top 10 during qualifying in Austin: « In my Q2 lap, I made a small mistake which cost me about a tenth, and I could have been in Q3. The car seems more solid and consistent than in the last races, which means I have been able to attack more than usual. »
With renewed confidence in his Lotus and a 10th place on the grid – he set the 11th fastest time in Q2 but benefits from Button’s penalty – he aims for points tomorrow: « We are well placed for tomorrow; we need a good strategy, to stay relaxed, and then to fight for points. I think we have a good chance to score points and that must remain our main objective. »
