Q&A with Eric Boullier - Grosjean earned his return

What factors made you choose Romain Grosjean?

It’s a challenging mission. Romain has been with us for quite a few months now and he has had several aims to achieve from the personal, professional and sporting points of view. He had to find his footing again in a team which he left in what were certainly not the most reassuring circumstances. He achieved all these aims one by one until we decided to give him the opportunity to drive for us in free practice in the last two races of the season. He proved to the team that he had enough talent, speed and maturity to become one of the works drivers for next year.

Did the fact that Romain is French make the difference?

Absolutely not! It was just another point in his favour. For our French partners like Total it’s a godsend to be able to take advantage of his presence as one of our drivers.

The team’s undergoing reconstruction with two new drivers. What are your short and medium-term objectives?

It’s pretty clear for 2012. We’re determined to win back that fourth place we promised ourselves. Over three years our aim is to be considered as one of the top teams, which means to start winning on a regular basis and be in a position to fight for the title.

Source LRGP