‘Top speed is very important’ for Lotus in Canada

Coming off of a spectacular season in 2013 where Lotus F1 team finished fourth in the World Constructors’ Championship, Romain Grosjean was hoping to emulate his 2013 success with the team in the 2014 season when the rules changes and the new V6-turbo era began ; after all, Grosjean finished in seventh place in 2013’s Drivers’ World Championship standings.

Yet just six races into the 2014 calendar, Grosjean sits in 13th position in the Drivers’ Standings with only eight points scored in the previous two races (Spain and Monaco). With Lotus placed seventh in the Constructors’ standing and a whopping 44 points behind sixth places Williams Racing, there is work to be done by the team and driver alike and the Canadian Grand Prix is where the work is set to start.

Thursday’s media day in the paddock gives the drivers a day to relax and enjoy not being in the car for the one day of four they visit the track. It also allows time for the drivers to speak with their fans and the media, giving a unique insight into the weekend ahead.

Speaking to Romain Grosjean, he comes across as relaxed, regardless of the standings. There are still 14 races left this season and anything can happen, especially when racing at one of Grosjean’s “favourite Grand Prix of the year”.

Romain Grosjean describes the Canadian Grand Prix as having a “very good atmosphere” whilst the “people are very welcoming” whilst helps Grosjean to focus on work to do ahead, whilst enjoying his time in Montreal.

But enjoying the weekend is one thing, and with the amount of work there is for the team to do, there is no time to sit back and take in the scenery. Asked about racing in Montreal, Grosjean gave an insight into how Lotus looking at the Canadian Grand Prix ahead :

“It’s a very very challenging track, quite different to what we’re used to with the long straight, very big breaking, some walls. Kind of in between city and a proper circuit so very challenging, very good, and hopefully we get the best of our car.”

As Grosjean says, Montreal is a unique track in that it combines city racing with circuit racing. Montreal is also known for its challenges due to external factors such as weather ; rain will create a completely different track to one that is hot and Grosjean says he is prepared :

“There is a lot to think about on this type of track because the circuit will change a lot during the sessions and of course you have to think about your top speed here which is very important but your breaking as well so your down force level has to be in the optimum place which makes it not easy of course in the last few years, but it seems that it is going to be good on the weekend so hopefully that is out of the equation and we can work hard.”

The Lotus E22 is expected to reach a top speed of 327 kilometers per hour this weekend, whilst the race will command 55% of the total distance pushing the car at full throttle. With 56 gear changes per lap, Lotus will be looking to provide Grosjean with a car that can not only survive the demanding course that is the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, but one that will also be strong enough to compete and finish within the top ten on Sunday, scoring both Grosjean and Lotus F1, valuable Championship points.

Free Practice 1 for the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada 2014 starts tomorrow, Friday June 6th, at 10:00 local time.