Grosjean: Austin will not be easy to learn

Romain Grosjean is expecting the Circuit of the Americas to pose a significant challenge to the field next weekend, with the Formula 1 fraternity travelling to the venue for the first time. On the back of a retirement at the Yas Marina Circuit, the Frenchman is keen to make a return to the points scoring positions in America.

"I don’t think it will be the easiest circuit to learn and there are a few fast corners which look like they will be a challenge," the Lotus driver explained. "The first corner certainly looks to be good fun.

"I’ve spoken to (reserve driver) Jérôme (d'Ambrosio) so I have a little idea of what to expect. On top of that I’ve worked with simulations of the track, and it’s easy for me to play Xbox when I am travelling so I can get an idea from that too."

Talking of team-mate Kimi Räikkönen's victory in Abu Dhabi, Grosjean said it was a 'fantastic reward' for the Enstone-based team's continual development push.

"It was unbelievable for the team," Grosjean added. "It had looked as if the chance of a win was escaping, but we’ve kept pushing and the top step was a fantastic reward. Kimi did a fantastic job. The car is there and although this race wasn’t the one we were expecting to win, we did. Hopefully the good results continue, starting in Austin."