Romain Grosjean says he is very affected by the passing of fellow Frenchman Jules Bianchi, as he mourns “a great friend and a tremendous talent”.
Like most of the motor racing community, Grosjean woke up to the tragic news as Bianchi died overnight in his hometown of Nice after spending nine months in a coma following his heavy accident during last year’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Although Bianchi was three years younger than the Lotus ace, the pair raced together in GP2 Series as they fight their way towards motor racing's pinnacle.
“Before even being a superb driver, Jules was my mate and a great guy,” Grosjean told France’s RMC Sport and BFM TV. “We’ve lost a great friend and a tremendous talent.”
Bianchi has become the first F1 driver to die from injuries sustained in an accident since the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix claimed Ayrton Senna’s life.
“Safety standards have improved a lot over the past 20 years but motor racing remains dangerous,” added Grosjean. “We know this fact but our passion always wins, simply because we love what we do.
“Each time we step in the car, either for testing or a race, there’s always a risk and we’re aware of it. Our generation is experiencing this situation for the very first time so this is quite a shock for everyone.
“We can always try to improve everything. We can always make things better. But I don’t want to think about it just now. What really matters today is Jules’ family.”
F1 drivers pay tribute to Bianchi after death at 25
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