Grosjean to drive in Abu Dhabi and Brazil
Grosjean was last seen driving a F1 car back in 2009, when he took over the race seat from Nelson Piquet, whose career was destroyed by Flavio Briatore. Unfortunately the Frenchman came into a team in deep trouble and the car didn´t perform as well. Since Robert Kubica´s injury during a rally race in February, Lotus Renault have used first Nick Heidfeld then Bruno Senna to fill the seat. But it is more and more likely that Robert Kubica will not return this season, and very unlikely it will happen next year too, so putting Grosjean into the race seat makes sense. The question is, who he will replace, if any.
“I am delighted with the opportunity given to me and I have been waiting a long time for this," Grosjean said on the team website. “Whenever you’re at a race track and you see an F1 car you want to be driving it so to be getting behind the wheel in Abu Dhabi and Brazil is fantastic.
“I know it is important for the team as it takes the session from one of the race drivers so we need to give as much feedback as possible. I will do this to the best of my ability, but my first feeling about the opportunity is just happiness.
“The funny thing is that at my last race in a Grand Prix was Abu Dhabi in 2009 and I’m getting back in a Formula 1 car in a Grand Prix car in Abu Dhabi. If I’m honest, it’s not my favorite circuit but it’s good to make my return at a modern track where there is good run-offs! I really love Interlagos so I am really looking forward to being there, especially as I think it may suit the R31.
“2009 was a fantastic experience. Driving with Fernando Alonso as a team-mate was tremendous and I learnt a lot. I have developed a lot since that point and all the experience clearly helps for me to become who I am today.
“This season has shown that in GP2 I’ve improved from the past and hopefully I will be able to show the same in this opportunity in Formula 1.“