F1: Grosjean Returns In Style With Third On Grid

Formula 1

F1: Grosjean Returns In Style With Third On Grid

Lotus driver Romain Grosjean was impressive in Melbourne qualifying...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted March 17, 2012 Melbourne (AUS)

Romain Grosjean made an emotional return to F1 in Australia by qualifying third for Lotus, erasing memories of his frustrating first career with the then-Renault team in 2009.

Grosjean looked good throughout qualifying, and was ultimately beaten only by the two McLarens.

“I’m very happy to be here, very proud as well to be here,” said the Franco-Swiss driver. “A few people believed in me at the toughest time, and today I think they were with me in the car. I’m proud to be part of the Lotus team, and the atmosphere and the experience can be very good.

“We have been working pretty well during the winter, trying to do our best. As I said, I’m very happy to be with this team and I think they are working very hard for us and we are trying to make the best of everything we can. It’s not a dream – we did it. We can be proud of it, and tomorrow we’ll keep working to improve ourselves, trying to get the best result as possible during the race and then in the next races, as well.”

What made Grosjean’s performance even more impressive was the fact that he had not driven in Australia before and his dry running was limited by Friday’s rain.

“I do learn quickly but I think when we get everything at the factory, I think it’s even easier. My engineer did a fantastic job for me; he’s trying to help me as much as he can, and Formula One is tough. I have many things to think about and to do, during a qualifying lap and in the race and everything – but it went pretty well and I think there is some more to come.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.