Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsOpinion

'Racing one day for Renault would be huge for me' says Grosjean

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Romain Grosjean says that at a later stage of his F1 career he would love to return to Enstone and race once again for Renault.

The 29-year-old signed for Gene Haas' new eponymous F1 team in September of last year, lured by the US outfit's outright potential and its technical partnership with Ferrari which Grosjean believes could be a pipeline to a potential drive with the Scuderia in the future.

When rumors of Renault buying Lotus gained momentum last year it was thought that Grosjean would remain with the Enstone based entity, happy as he would be driving for France's best-selling automobile brand.

But when negotiations between Renault and Lotus lingered on, given the uncertainty of their outcome, the French driver decided to secure his immediate future and respond favorably to Haas' offer.

While he is committed as ever in helping to steer the US team to the upper part of the F1 grid, Grosjean also declared himself open to an eventual return one day to Enstone and to the team for whom he made his F1 debut mid-season in 2009.

"Enstone is a big chapter of my life," Grosjean told Autosport.

"The people there are friends and family and I know every corner of the factory. Some years, I was even there for Christmas. When I lived in the UK, I went there on December 24 with my brother-in-law.

"It was hard to leave but we won't be too far down the paddock. And who knows? Maybe in three or four years' time, they produce a world championship winning car and they call me and say let's win together.

"That would be ideal. As a Frenchman that would be huge."

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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.