Grosjean shrugs off latest Lotus freight delay

Romain Grosjean says he is not worried by Lotus’ latest freight issues, with the Enstone squad having to wait until Thursday before it could set up for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Frenchman and his team have already faced similar problems this year, most notably in Japan where they were locked out of their hospitality. Lotus’ dire financial situation is well documented, as it still waits for Renault to follow up on the takeover Letter of Intent the French constructor issued two months ago.

Making his final appearance for Enstone before joining newcomers Haas, Grosjean remains confident the delay will not affect his squad’s performance at Yas Marina Circuit.

“This is something we have experienced in the past,” said the 29-year-old, who is set to miss the opening free practice session as reserve driver Jolyon Palmer keeps preparing for 2016.

“We have always managed to put it on track on time. As long as it’s ready for FP2 then I’m happy. We’ll try to forget that, as we’ve shown in, I think it was Suzuka and Brazil when we were a little bit late.

“We did manage to put the car on track and go for it. It’s just harder work for the guys who don’t deserve this – but they are going to do the maximum and then from there we try to score some good points.”

Lotus’ financial and legal issues off track and little development on it make Grosjean even prouder of what the beleaguered outfit has been able to accomplished in 2015.

“I think the favourite moment [of the season] is pretty easy: Spa Francorchamps, the podium. To summarise the year: it was a pretty good one I think in terms of driving. We had a good baseline to start the season with the car.

“We couldn’t really update it as much as we wanted but still fighting for sixth in the Constructors’ championship, so pretty pleased with that in this last year with Lotus.”

Unfinished business: the scores still to be settled in Abu Dhabi

Chris Medland's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview

Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features

Click here for exclusive pictures of the Ferrari power unit

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter