Romain Grosjean is hoping for a strong performance this weekend in Japan around the challenging Suzuka circuit, and feels proud when he gets the maximum from a lap of the track.
Lotus F1 Team driver Grosjean recalls one of his strong performances towards the back end of the 2013 season, when he made a great start from fourth on the grid to lead into the first corner, and battled hard with both Red Bull Racing drivers to finish third.
“Suzuka is probably my favourite track in the world and for many, many reasons,” said Grosjean. “Of course 2013 holds a great memory as I led the race for a while. Mainly I love it so much because the track is a massive challenge and also the spectators are so passionate about F1.
“There is not a single corner on the track that is not a big challenge. When you finish a lap at Suzuka you really appreciate it because you know the car and you have been really tested and that you can be proud if you have got the maximum from everything.”
Grosjean expects the Suzuka track to suit the Lotus E23 Hybrid better than the Singapore street circuit did last weekend, and will be pushing as hard as possible to get the best result possible. The Frenchman feels it is the kind of circuit a driver can make a difference, and is one that gives little opportunity for respite.
“Suzuka is a track that highlights the good aspects of a chassis and it will certainly be a better place to exploit the positives of the E23 than Singapore,” said Grosjean. “At Suzuka the driver can make a difference to some extent, especially through sector one, so I will be pushing very hard here to get the very maximum we can.
“It’s the kind of track where you find time and improvements, however small, all of the time. It is a very special racetrack in this respect. Sector one is unbelievable and after you have finished it you can breathe a little bit…but not for long.
“There is no margin for error with very little run-off area and the track is quite narrow, especially at the top of the hill. I love it. Every metre of the Suzuka track is special and every metre a challenge. The Spoon Curve is especially fantastic, a real thrill to drive in an F1 car.”
