• Australian Grand Prix

Grosjean doesn't feel lucky to retain seat

ESPN Staff
March 14, 2013 « Gonzalez named Marussia reserve | Button dismisses Hamilton critcisms of McLaren regime »
Romain Grosjean feels some of his performances in 2012 warranted another year at Lotus © Sutton Images
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Romain Grosjean says he doesn't feel lucky to have retained his seat at Lotus this season after a mixed 2012.

After numerous first-lap incidents culminated in his banning for the Italian Grand Prix, Grosjean had to endure a nervous wait during the winter before being confirmed for 2013. Ahead of his second full season in Formula One, Grosjean said he felt that he'd shown enough promise last year to warrant another chance but acknowledges that he must cement his place this season.

"When I spoke with the bosses they told me once they make a decision they never go back on it, so that means what it means," Grosjean said. "They chose me. Yes, I did some mistakes but it was my first year, I had three podiums, fought twice for the wins, so on the other hand it wasn't too bad. Now I know what I have to do and that's quite clear to me which makes it easier."

Ahead of the return to track action tomorrow, Grosjean said the E21 was better than its predecessor but still needs some set-up work before Lotus is confident it can maximise the car's potential in a race.

"It's better, for sure. The regulations haven't changed so everybody has been working on the car and weaknesses have been more or less improved. We have a few set-up items which we still want to test here because we couldn't with the rain or whatever in the winter testing; that wasn't easy but I feel better than last year."

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