Romain Grosjean at the 24 hours of Le Mans

Romain, we'll see you in the Barcelona Paddock this weekend. What is the purpose of this visit?
I came to see a few people, make contacts and show that I am still here. I am of course taking advantage of this to see many people I like and with whom I enjoy talking. I obviously don't hide it, my number one objective is to come back F1 ! Now you have to take into consideration that it?s a question of luck, of opportunity and that it?s not easy. I opened myself up to the idea that other categories could be a solution for me. This is the case of the FIA ​​GT1 Championship in which I am participating this year, but I am also interested in the DTM and theEndurance with major brands like Peugeot , Audi and Aston Martin.

Are you talking about Endurance? What are your plans in this area?
I can announce to you that next month I will participate in the 24h of Le Mans ! I can't yet tell you what car he's driving (update 13/05: it will be aboard the Matech competition Ford GT that he drives in FIA GT1), but I'm going to make one of my dreams come true in committing me to this legendary race. I have always followed this race carefully, because it is an exceptional event like the Monte-Carlo in Rally which is also a dream that I would like to be able to realize one day. Le Mans is an incredible popular festival where we have the chance to be very close to the public and, as a driver, it is extremely pleasant to feel the enthusiasm of the supporters. It's also a crazy circuit and giving it your all for 24 hours excites me a lot.

You are entered this season in the brand new FIA GT1 World Championship, how is that going?
Alright ! We had an ideal start with a fantastic weekend in Abu Dhabi where we won with the Ford GT. At Silverstone, things were a little more complicated for different reasons but we are going to straighten things out for the next event which takes place in Brno. It’s a great experience for me. This makes me happy because I can pursue what is both a passion and a profession, namely piloting! We need adrenaline, victories and difficult moments to know how to appreciate the good ones!!

You followed the start of the Formula 1 season closely, what did you think of it?
A very good start to the season I must say, with weather conditions which meant that no one was really able to stand out? Very good fights and especially the return of certain teams to the front. I think the season is very open and that's a good thing for the discipline.

What is your prediction for the title?
Before the season started I had bet on Fernando (Alonso) because I like the character, the pilot and I am very close to him, but today it seems that Hag on his Red Bull-Renault has the advantage.

Frustrated to see that Renault is doing better today, even though you are no longer there?
Wrong place at the wrong time! This sums up exactly what I experienced. Now, I'm happy for Renault, for Genii and Gravity that they are back at the front. There are people who deserved it to work because they worked a lot and I am happy for them that they are obtaining good results.

Will we see you again in the F1 paddocks this year?
Yes I will be in Monaco next week and certainly at a few other European Grand Prix to continue the negotiations. Is the F1 objective still present? more than ever !