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Lotus F1 Team returned to the Formula 1 Grand Prix podium for
the first time since the US Grand Prix in 2013 thanks to a
superb drive from Romain Grosjean in today’s Belgian Grand Prix.
Despite a five-place grid penalty, Romain delivered an
exceptionally measured performance including setting a race
fastest lap. Romain’s joy was tempered by a second lap
retirement for Pastor after his car lost drive. The cause is
currently being investigated. Romain’s result means Lotus F1
Team return to fifth position in the Constructors’ Championship.
Romain started from P9 on the grid on his qualifying soft tyres,
changing to new soft compound tyres on lap 9 and scrubbed
mediums on lap 21.
Pastor started from P7 on the grid but was forced to retire on
the second lap after his car lost drive.
Romain Grosjean, P3, E23-04
“Today’s result is wonderful. It’s good for the team and for
myself of course. Yesterday’s good qualifying result put a smile
on my face but today was an unbelievable race. Everything came
together when it mattered during those 43 laps. I drove with my
heart today and pushed 100 % throughout the race. I did some
great overtaking manoeuvers and was really pushing to catch up
and hopefully overtake Sebastian Vettel – of course it was bad
luck for him to have had the tyre issue at the end. We were
really trying to go for the podium this afternoon and I felt
very emotional during the last lap of the race! It’s a great
feeling today.”
Pastor Maldonado, DNF, E23-03
“We had been doing a great job this weekend, especially
yesterday. The car was feeling very good, very competitive and I
had a good race start. We had an issue with the drive of the car
which the team are investigating. I’m disappointed about the
issue we had today but that’s racing sometimes. We are keeping
focussed for the next race now and Romain has shown what is
possible. I love Italy and Monza so I’ll be doing everything I
can for a strong result there."
Federico Gastaldi, Deputy Team Principal
"What an amazing job from Romain today and we all thank all the
hard work of everyone at Enstone and here at the circuit in
Belgium. It’s no secret that it’s been a tough season for us in
some ways, but we certainly know how to pick our moments to
bounce back. Our joy for Romain and the team is a little
bittersweet because of the retirement for Pastor, who started
his race ahead of Romain so could have finished equally strongly.
We will do everything we can to get both cars in strong
positions in Monza.”
Nick Chester, Technical Director
"That was quite a race from Romain and the team! We were buoyed
after yesterday’s P4 qualifying performance then today he drove
a fantastic measured race. He drove brilliantly and made all the
correct decisions with some fabulous overtaking. He looked after
the tyres when he needed to and pushed when he needed to. It was
the perfect race from him. We haven’t looked at everything on
Pastor’s car yet but we know there was a big excursion over the
kerbs which appears to have caused some damage to the power box
so a big shame as he should also have achieved a strong result
here."
Images: Copyright Lotus F1 Team |
