Romain Grosjean says new Lotus F1 chassis felt strange
Romain Grosjean has described the feel of his new Lotus chassis as "strange" after the team was forced to abandon today's running
The Franco-Swiss driver completed only seven laps this morning on the shakedown of Lotus chassis number two.
When the problem was detected the team decided to send it back to its Enstone base and fly out chassis one, which was used at Jerez, to build up for tomorrow.
Although Grosjean did not want to be drawn on the details of the problem, he did confirm that it was obvious when he took to the track.
"It felt quite strange on the steering wheel," said Grosjean. "Both myself and the team picked up the problem at the same time.
"It was a small chassis issue. We sent the chassis back to Enstone to analyse and we will have a new one ready for the morning."
Grosjean is confident that the team will not suffer too much from losing today's running.
Lotus completed more miles than any other team in the Jerez test two weeks ago and he has no doubts that it will still be able to complete its programme at Barcelona.
"Hopefully from tomorrow we can go into our programme," said Grosjean. "We got some good mileage in Jerez and still have three days here and four days next week.
"We can still work on the car. I will still have some good time driving and we will be as ready as we can be for Melbourne."
Previous article
Jarno Trulli says he was offered Ferrari F1 drive while racing for Toyota
Next article
Sebastian Vettel quickest on first day of F1 testing at Barcelona
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Romain Grosjean |
| Teams | Team Lotus , Lotus F1 Team |
| Author | Edd Straw |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping
