Grosjean: “Getting closer to Fernando”

Romain, you competed in your first Grand Prix in Valencia. Did you have fun during this first race?

Yes, it was a very special weekend for me. I really enjoyed every second of the race and I thank the whole team for their constant support. Everything was new to me and I had to learn very quickly. But I managed to feel comfortable with the car and the confidence came gradually throughout the weekend. Overall, I am satisfied with my performance. I'm happy to have finished the race and I was able to accumulate a lot of experience. I also really enjoyed seeing the mechanics applauding me on the pit wall at the finish. I must now continue on this path at Spa, work well with my engineers, and continue to make progress.

What did you do in the days following your first Grand Prix?

After the Grand Prix, I stayed in Valencia for one more day to enjoy the city and relax a bit before returning to Geneva. Tuesday, I went back to work, to the bank*, just to keep my feet on the ground! I think it is important for me to continue this work because I enjoy it and this routine has always worked well for me in the past.

* Romain works in a bank in Geneva, it is a part-time job.

Spa-Francorchamps, is this a circuit that you know well?

Yes, it’s one of my favorite circuits. I know him very well having won the GP2 long race there last year. Spa is one of the traditional circuits and I can't wait to be able to drive my F1 in turns such as Eau Rouge. After racing on a street circuit, it will be good to find ourselves on a more conventional circuit, which has beautiful curves and to continue to get to know the R29.

What will be your goal this weekend?

The team has helped me a lot so far. It didn't put me under pressure but I would like to be more competitive at Spa and get closer to Fernando. I know I still have a lot to learn, and I will take things step by step. I will see how the free trials go before setting myself any goals. It is also necessary to take into account that the weather is difficult to predict in Spa. There is a risk of rain, so we will need to be ready to react to every opportunity that presents itself.