Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsLotus F1

Grosjean aiming to bounce back at Silverstone

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On the back of a frustrating Austrian Grand Prix weekend which saw the French driver retire after 35 laps with gearbox trouble, Romain Grosjean heads to Silverstone seeking to put the disappointment behind.

Over the years, the Lotus driver has developed a special inclination for the British track, having won in Northamptonshire in the GP2 Series in 2011, and believes a good F1 result is long overdue.

"It’s one of the quickest tracks of the year and as drivers we always like to go fast," commented Grosjean. "It’s a fantastic track with a lot of high speed corners. I won there in the GP2 Series in 2011, so I have to say it has fond memories for me."

"I scored points there in my F1 debut but then for the last couple of years my British Grand Prix hasn’t been so good in terms of results. This means I must be due a good result and we’ll be doing everything we can to ensure a good finish in the points!"

Grosjean also awarded special status to Silverstone as the venue neighbors Lotus' factory, which suggest a home race for the Frenchman's team.

"It’s always nice to see not only the race team, but also some of the many people from the factory come to see us out in action. It’s thanks to all their hard work that we’re out on track and they are all doing an amazing job, always working so hard. It really does have a feeling of a home event."

Grosjean's disappointing Austrian weekend was followed by a frustrating test session at the Red Bull Ring, with mileage limited on the first day by the rain. But the relative setback did nothing to dampen Romains' British Grand Prix prospects in his view.

"The test day was unusual as there was so much rain in the morning, but the conditions changed a lot for the afternoon so we still completed some useful runs. Every time we go out with the E23 we learn a little bit more with it, and the car is a pleasure to drive so I will start the Silverstone weekend in a very positive mood."

Click here for FIA President Jean Todt's thoughts on the current state of F1

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.