Romain Grosjean believes Lotus will give Ferrari and Mercedes a run for their money – Formula 1
Romain Grosjean says that Lotus will give a stiff challenge to Ferrari and Mercedes in the upcoming season.
Lotus has had a good run so far during the pre-season tests by setting up best time laps with the new E20. The performance has been praised by various drivers and followers of the sport.
Team boss Eric Boullier is so happy with the performance of the new car and his drivers that he recently suggested that Lotus will be looking to target Red Bull and McLaren the leaders of the pack at the moment.
Boullier said that he does not believe that Red Bull and McLaren and unbeatable, he added that if he thought that was the case he would have left the sport by now.
In an exclusive interview to ESPNF1.com, Grosjean confirmed that the team and the management is brimming with confidence after the E20 has shown good promise. He said that it is definitely a step up from it predecessor.
“Well it seems to be (a fight with Mercedes and Ferrari), but then maybe Force India is strong as well,” Grosjean said. “We don't know about Toro Rosso and it's always tough to know where you are. But last year we finished fifth in the championship, this
year we want to finish fourth so we'll have to beat one of the teams that was in front.”
He did not outright said that the car will be winning races but suggested that good things can be expected.
“I think it's too early to say anything. I think Red Bull and McLaren are still ahead of us, they look really strong. But if it can be a podium car then I'll take it,” he said.
Ferrari has looked in dire straits since the team unveiled their 2012 challenger. The car has suffered a lot of technical issues, and that has led to the team’s technical director Pat Fry to say that he does not think the car has enough to win podiums. Although
team president Luca di Montezemolo hopes that Fry’s prediction does not materialise but it suggests that Lotus have their work cut out to challenge Ferrari for a constructors’ position.
Mercedes on the other hand look good, but not as good as Lotus though the true measure of their standing will be on display during the season.
The season will begin on March 18 with the Australian Grand Prix as the opening race.
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