- Lotus
Monza important for Singapore momentum - Grosjean
Romain Grosjean does not think Lotus is well placed to turn around its flailing season at Monza this weekend but wants to use the race to gain momentum ahead of Singapore.
Lotus has scored points just twice this season and both cars retired in Belgium, with Monza another circuit which does not look likely to play into the team's strengths. But Grosjean is targeting the following round at Singapore on September 21 for a return to form and thinks Monza can be a good springboard for that.
"I think that Monza will be tough for us," Grosjean said. "On paper it is not one of the races that we should do that well at. But as always we will be fighting hard and trying to get the maximum from the weekend, so that it gives us good momentum for the Singapore weekend later in September when we should be stronger and the track should suit the E22 a little better.
Despite his reservations, Grosjean is hopeful the Monza-specific upgrades Lotus is bringing to Italy can maximise its result.
"We will have a one-off rear wing for Monza and the key will be to make the car as quick as possible from an aero point of view, so that we can get back some of the performance from our straight-line speed disadvantage. Then we have to manage the tyre degradation.
"Also for us it will be tricky in the big corners like the Lesmos and the Ascari chicane because the less downforce you have then the more difficult it is to get good grip in the turns. It is a tough compromise but one I am sure that the team will get the best solution possible."
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