Romain Grosjean feels ready to lead Lotus in F1 2014

The Frenchman once again outqualified team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, and only a mid-race safety car allowed the Finn to get close enough to pass him.

Grosjean's run of recent good showings has impressed Lotus chiefs and the man himself has faith that he is now in a position to take on full responsibility for pushing the outfit forward.

"If I keep doing what I am doing, it should be fine," Grosjean told AUTOSPORT.

"Kimi is a world champion and a very good driver, so matching him, or being in front of him, is a good sign.

"Since Barcelona, pace wise, we have been always together and sometimes I am even quicker, so it is good for the future."

Grosjean thinks that he has not only addressed the opening lap issues he had in 2012, but has also got on top of the E21's KERS-harvesting braking characteristics that caused him trouble at the start of this campaign.

"Unfortunately we had a very bad start to the year," he said.

"I came from last year not with the best possible confidence.

"After the winter it was not easy to jump back in the car and it was a bit of a shame that we had so much of a slow start.

"We effectively lost winter testing and the first three races, and we found out the mapping was not giving me the feeling.

"From there we started to improve; we started things properly in Barcelona, and from then it got better and better.

"I think we are now where I want with the car. It is not always perfect but it is getting better.

"I am happy with the team, we grew up together and I am trying to get as much as I can to improve myself each time."