• European Grand Prix

Grosjean closer to 'perfect weekend'

Romain Grosjean thinks the weather could help Lotus this weekend in Valencia © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• European Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Romain Grosjean

• Teams:
• Lotus F1

Romain Grosjean believes that he has moved closer to being able to deliver "the perfect weekend" which will allow him to challenge for victory in Valencia.

Lotus goes in to the European Grand Prix as one of the favourites for victory on the back of Grosjean's second place in Canada two weeks ago. So far it has yet to win this season, mainly on account of its qualifying pace being less competitive than its race pace, but Grosjean said progress made in recent races was giving him more confidence with each weekend.

"I'm happily surprised by how the season is going," Grosjean said. "The team made a good car which is mandatory to be able to achieve some good results, and then we did some good races. I'm working very hard with my engineer to get the best relationship together, to understand each other very well. I think it was Barcelona where I said that we did a step forward, maybe Canada another one and with these small steps when you put one with the other then you are more ready to get the perfect weekend and then for the win."

When asked specifically about his chances of victory in Valencia, Grosjean tried to downplay expectations but admitted the track and conditions were set to suit Lotus.

"It's always difficult to rate your chances before you've done the free practice or even the qualifying. Things can change quite quickly but on paper we are looking good here. Again the car is good, it's hot - that's a good point for us - hopefully we can keep this advantage and the other teams didn't find a way to make [their cars] work when it's too hot and then we can have a good chance."

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