Grosjean will aim for consistency in 2013 with Lotus F1

Le Romain Grosjean who is preparing for the 2013 season different from the one who attacked the 2012 season? How have you changed?

Well, first of all, I got old! No, for me, this year is clearly different. I gained a lot more experience in Formula 1. Even though I knew the team before, I now know much better how to work with the engineers on a technical level. Furthermore, I now know all the circuits and I better understand the different challenges of a season. Overall, it went pretty well, even if some things didn't go the way we wanted. It will be very interesting for the start of the new season.

What are your goals for 2013?

I can clearly announce that I want to score as many points as possible for the team, everyone knows that. But I think it would be a mistake to claim to finish the championship in a particular place. I sincerely want to think as often as possible that I did my job well when I got out of my car. I want to tell myself that I did everything in my power, to be proud of my races and my test sessions. I want to have this feeling as often as possible this year.

What area did you learn the most from last season?

Difficult to remember just one point. When you start in Formula 1, you think ?OK, it?s a new challenge, it?s difficult?. But then, as you work through the season, the thought becomes ?Wow! The challenge is even greater than I imagined!? All the elements that make up an F1 season, the travel? energy expenditure, jet lag management -, media and marketing activities, physical demands and preparation to drive the car, all of this is important. Now I know a lot better what I need and that's what I learned last season.

How did you feel when your contract was extended for 2013, shortly after becoming ?Champion of Champions? at the ?Race of Champions? ?

There were a few details to be worked out before a decision was made and, of course, the wait was not very pleasant. But it was, on the other hand, very pleasant to be confirmed. The timing was excellent too, right after my victory in the ?Race of Champions?, but it was a coincidence. This allowed me to have a much better winter.

What was your contribution to E21? Did you make a wish list?

Throughout last year, the feedback given on the E20 was taken into account by the development team for the E21. Which implies that a lot of information provided by Kimi and I was used on this car. It's hard to say at the end of the season ?we would like this or that? for next year. I think it has more to do with the work accomplished throughout the year, discussions on this or that point or ideas on this or that thing. After 20 races, you know more or less what works and what doesn't on the car. I hope we have made the right choices for this year.

Behind the curtains, how did the development phase take place? enstone ?

I love the development process, watching the car grow. You see the first concept, the wind tunnel tests and finally, after a long time, the finished car appears. It?s very interesting and I really enjoy following it all. I try to understand as much as possible, without being an engineer. It?s always rewarding.

Do you think you will have to prove yourself in a particular area in 2013?

I think everyone is waiting to see if I can be consistent, which I lacked a little last season. I am aware of this and I will do everything possible to prove to everyone that I am capable of achieving this goal.