Romain Grosjean receives 5-place grid drop for Germany

Romain Grosjean has been handed a 5-place grid penalty for the German Grand Prix, after his Lotus mechanics were forced to change his gearbox after the British Grand Prix. The issue surfaced on the closing lap of the race, and after further analysis by the team it was decided he would require a gearbox change before the race in Germany.

The Frenchman had surged through the pack at Silverstone to eventually finish 6th, after starting the race from 9th. Qualifying has so far been the Enstone-based teams achilles’ heel, and has often ruined any chances of a competitive race result. Both drivers have finished on the podium in 2012, and undeniably have a car capable of victory.

"It was a gearbox problem and we are very fortunate that Romain didn’t have the problem earlier in the race.” Explained Lotus technical director, James Allison. “Unfortunately for Romain it means he’ll take a five place grid penalty at Hockenheim, but he certainly showed at Silverstone that dropping down the order won’t stop him challenging at the sharp end."

This penalty will be a big blow for the Lotus outfit, who have yet to win a race in this exceedingly unpredictable season. Both Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean know how to win races, and both will be itching to take that elusive victory as this season progresses.

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