23/08/2011
Following another solid performance in Budapest, Romain is closing in on the GP2 Series title. As he explained to us, however, he is taking nothing for granted in his hunt for success.
How have you enjoyed your 2011 LRGP experience?
It’s really been a good experience, a case of so far so good! We’ve had some tough races recently in quite difficult conditions; our drivers have had to battle the rain and some difficult elements out on-track, but overall this season we’ve seen some beautiful races and it’s been good to be inside the team and experience all of it.
You know a lot of the guys in the team quite well – how have you settled in this time around?
I still know some of the guys from 2009; the atmosphere this time around is better. Naturally, when the results improve so does the atmosphere, but there are still strong working relationships even when the results are not forthcoming, and this is absolutely crucial in a team. The fact that everyone is enjoying their time with LRGP is clear evidence that the spirit is strong.
You are currently competing in GP2 – how pleased are you with the season so far?
Yes, GP2 has been very good to me so far this year. We (Dams) haven’t made it easy for ourselves at times this season, but the last few races have been very, very good and we’ve managed to score more points than the others. I’m now in a strong position and hopefully we can secure the title sooner rather than later.
What do you think is the secret to your success this season?
Experience has been crucial this season. The team’s performance has been consistently high; I’ve had to contend with a new GP2 experience, new Pirelli tyres, and new aspects of the car. In addition, the experience of the drivers in testing conditions has been crucial to the team’s success.
The title is yours for the taking in Spa – knowing that, does the pressure mount up?
It’s quite fun because everyone is telling me “you can grab the title in Spa, you can grab the title in Spa !” It’s actually really nice to hear this from different people, but I try not to think about it too much. I’d really like to secure pole position in Spa because I like the track. I’d love to win the race from starting in pole because this would be an easier, more conventional way of doing things! If this happens, then the title will come but this is not my main focus at the moment. I’m just doing my best and trying to have some real fun in the car.
There has been talk that you may get behind the wheel of the R31 one Friday later this season – how do you react when you hear this speculation?
It’s quite funny to hear rumours; speculation will always be there in Formula 1. At the moment, it’s not something we’re thinking about. First of all, there is business to finish in GP2 then, if the opportunity presents itself later in the season, we will see.
Credit: Lotus Renault GP (www.lotusrenaultgp.com)
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