Romain Grosjean ready to grab his opportunity as a Monaco Grand Prix contender

The Frenchman's Lotus team has been singled out by Jenson Button as the outfit to beat in Monaco, following some impressive speed in opening practice on Thursday.

And although the Enstone-based outfit has missed earlier chances to win this season, Grosjean knows he has to be prepared to do what it takes if there is a chance this time out.

"I think this year is good because we have seen that there may be opportunities that you may not be expecting," Grosjean told AUTOSPORT at the opening of a new Lotus Originals store in Monaco.

"So far we have been consistent at the front, so we know we can have good results. But this year you need to put everything together to have the perfect weekend. When it will happen, then I will try not to miss it."

Grosjean is confident about his prospects for Monaco - and that his E20 is delivering all that he had hoped for on the tight street circuits.

Speaking about Button's comments, he said: "That is good news! We are looking pretty good I have to say.

"It was our best 'Friday' on Thursday. The car is improving and we are working very well with the engineers, so I think we are getting there with our baseline set-up and the way we run our car.

"It looks like Monaco is suiting the E20 pretty well. I like the track and hopefully we can achieve something."

Grosjean's compatriot Alain Prost is one man who thinks that the Lotus driver should be considered seriously for the victory in Monaco.

"I think he has a chance," said Prost. "He is going quite well. His car is maybe one of the best, and it is probably one of the most consistent since the beginning of the year.

"He has always been quite good and in Monaco it could be his day. He looks very fast and is going well in his head. He has the confidence now; he has been supported a lot, both inside and outside of the team, which gives him confidence. So he should be okay."