Best of the rest, Grosjean aims for big points in the race

Japanese air seems to suit Romain Grosjean (Haas). The Frenchman set the fifth fastest time in the qualifying session at Suzuka (Japan) Saturday, enough to make the Haas driver look like “the best of the others”, far behind Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes, +2''001) and other cutting-edge machines (Ferrari, Red Bull).

However, the day had not started under the best auspices. “The third free practice session was not easy, due to a strong wind. I wasn't happy with the car at that time. We changed almost everything on the car before qualifying, and I was finally able to find the car as it was yesterday (Friday) », explains Romain Grosjean.

Quality day # r8g #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/WxliL2VKzU

- Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) 6th October, 2018

The showers during qualifying could also have played a treacherous role with Haas. “They were very complicated conditions for everyone. But I like driving like this! We knew the rain was going to return four or five minutes after the session kicked off.

It took a ride, that's where it was going to count, and that's something pretty exciting » continues the Habs. In this little game, Romain Grosjean beat the two Racing Point Force India of Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon, but also both Toro Rosso de Brendon Hartley et Pierre Gasly.

“I think I'm better than the Toro Rossos in race pace, especially with our soft tires. It should be hot tomorrow (Sunday), I will be able to create a little gap, which will not displease me. »

Only 11 points away from Renault for fourth position in the Manufacturers' standings, Haas could catch up or even overtake the French team on Sunday in the event of a good result from Romain Grosjean. " We'll see. I think we should not focus on points, and rather focus on having a good GP. We will do the calculations at the end of the race. »