France’s Romain Grosjean concerned about countryman Jules Bianchi

[email protected] 09:10 22/11/2014
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  • Future secured: Romain Grosjean will be back in a Lotus for 2015 despite an indifferent campaign this year.

    Lotus driver Romain Grosjean may be looking to bow out a diffi­cult F1 season for him on a high in Abu Dhabi, but at the same time his thoughts remain firmly back in France and on the recovery of his countryman Jules Bianchi.

    – Lotus keep the faith with Grosjean for 2015

    Marussia driver Bianchi suffered severe head injuries when he col­lided with a recovery vehicle at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on October 5.

    He was taken to a hos­pital in Yokkaichi where he was put into a medically-induced coma.

    The 25-year-old, however, is now breathing unaided and was flown from Japan to intensive care in his home town of Nice, on Wednesday.

    Fellow Frenchman Grosjean said: “It’s hard to get the right word for the news.

    "It’s great news because he’s back where he grew up, he’s close to his family, but on the other hand he’s still in a critical condition.

    “The thing I can really say is that a few weeks ago he was even unable to move to Tokyo, but now they can fly him to Nice, which is where he grew up.

    “He has been making progress no one was expecting, so miracles can happen and that’s all I hope for.”

    Grosjean was, understandbly, more upbeat as he discussed his contract extension at Lotus, where he will continue to race in 2015.

    “We are happy together,” he said Grosjean.

    “I want to become world champion, I want to win races.

    “I know next year we are going to have a better car so is it good enough to be top 10, top five, top three, to win?

    "That’s not something I can say until we get to Melbourne, but hopefully it’s good enough to be on the podium a few times.

    "There are years when you think your car is going to be good and it’s not. We’ve learnt a lot of things this year, where we can improve.

    “Lotus is going to be much bet­ter next year and I know the car is going to be better.

    "We know the area we want to focus on and progress.

    “They’ve been working really hard on the 2015 car for a long time, it looks really nice and hopefully it goes really quick.

    “I’m looking forward to next sea­son, big time.

    "There’s going to be much better to come from me.”

    Despite a poor season – Grosjean has only scored eight points in two races in 2014 – the 28-year-old says it’s been an invaluable campaign for him personally.

    He said: “We’ve learned a lot from this season, personally I’ve learnt a lot.

    "I’ve done some mistakes but it’s now time to learn from them.

    “It’s certainly a good year in terms of lessons.

    "It’s always in the tough times you learn a lot, like in 2010, 2012 and 2014 for me.

    “It seems to be every two years so hopefully next year is good.”

    He admits during these difficult times he has had doubts about his future in the sport.

    “There are a few minutes after qualifying or a disappointing race, of course, you have some dark thoughts, but that lasts for 10 min­utes then you say that’s what I love doing.

    "I’m going to do my best for the team and move on.” 

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