Romain Grosjean Q & A
By Renault F1
August 18 2009
Romain talks to us ahead of his Grand Prix debut this weekend. Romain Grosjean: “I’m ready to make the most of this opportunity”
Romain, you will race with the team for the rest of the season. How does it feel to have this opportunity?
Of course I’m very excited and I want to thank the team for giving me this chance. I started dreaming about being a Formula One driver when I was seven or eight years old when I was watching the battles between Prost and Senna on television so to make my debut in Valencia really is a dream come true.
Does it feel special to drive for the only French team on the grid?
My goal has always been to become a Formula One driver and to do that with a French team makes it even more special. Renault has supported me since 2006 and it was only with their help that I could afford to continue racing. There is maybe a bit more attention because people have been waiting for a French driver in a Renault, but I will do my best to show that they were right to believe in me.
How valuable has it been to attend all the races as third driver this year?
It has been really helpful as I’ve got to know everybody and seen how the team works. Attending all the meetings and debriefs during the last six months will certainly help me make the most of this opportunity.
How does it feel to be teammate to Fernando Alonso – a double world champion?
He is a great champion – maybe the best driver in Formula One and I’m looking forward to working with him for the rest of the season. We already get on well and because he has so much experience I know there is a lot I can learn from him.
You raced in Valencia in GP2 last year – what did you think of the circuit?
It’s a mix between a street course and a normal circuit because in some places the track is narrow and tricky and in other places it’s really wide with lots of run-off. It’s not the easiest place to make your debut, but I’ve always liked street races and enjoy the atmosphere of being in the middle of a city.
How have you been preparing for your debut?
I’ve tried to make my preparation as normal as possible, although I have been training my neck muscles more than usual because Formula One is more demanding than GP2 on this part of the body. I’ve also taken some holiday time during the summer break to make sure I am fresh and 100% ready for Valencia.
What are you hopes for the weekend?
I’ve only driven the R29 in straight-line testing so my first race will be a learning experience. It’s difficult to set myself an objective so my first priority will be to get comfortable with the car, build my confidence over the weekend and do the best job I can for the team.
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Quote:Romain Grosjean
Before I leave for Valencia, I thought I'd take a few minutes to tell you about my special day. I arrived at Viry-Chatillon bright and early this morning to catch up with the engine guys, but also to talk to the media - and there were lots of them:TF1, M6, L'Equipe, Le Parisien, Le JDD, Europe 1, RMC, France Infos, France Inter...It seemed like I had to answer the same question a thousand times, but then again it's a great thing to be talking about and it was a lot of fun. Afterall, it's only once in your life that you arrive in Formula One so I savoured every minute. I've been waiting for this moment for such a long time.
After talking with the journalists, my throat was so dry that I must have drunk about a litre of water! Then I went for a walk around the factory to talk with the guys who make the engines for my car. I know the corridors of Viry well as I've been coming here since 2006 when I joined the RDD programme. What a journey I've had since then!
A lot of people asked me today if I'm feeling the pressure of being the only French driver in F1 and driving a French car. But how can I feel pressure, really? I simply see it as a great opportunity given to me by Renault. I grew up here as a driver and I can't wait to show that they were right to have faith in me. I'm sure that I will have a few nerves on Friday morning before first practice, but for the moment I'm feeling calm and relaxed.
Before continuing with my marathon day, I went to celebrate today's news with a delicious lunch of couscous! Then straight after that it was time to talk to Equipe TV. However, the journalist admitted that this was the first time that she had interviewed anybody and so we were two rookies together - that helped us both relax!
This evening I'm just going to chill out to recover after such a busy and exciting day. I'll probably head out for a little jog later to help myself unwind. I leave for Valencia tomorrow as my new life in F1 begins!
100% F1 Renault 2005-2006 WDC & WCC.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:08:18:22:45:14 by manuStudio.
Now having a French driver in the French team, I wonder how it will change the support from France, as I believe they could need a lot more that they had previosly.
Ofcourse that all depends on Grosjean's performances.
Guys, please vote for our new poll on the page,
Will Romain Grosjean score more points than Piquet Jr. this season?
100% F1 Renault 2005-2006 WDC & WCC.