Google+ Jack Leslie F1: Haas F1 confirms Grosjean for 2016

29 September 2015

Haas F1 confirms Grosjean for 2016

The new Haas F1 Team has confirmed Romain Grosjean as one of its drivers for the 2016 season. 
The announcement was made during a press conference at the American outfit's Kannapolis base. 

Grosjean will make the switch to Haas after four seasons at Lotus. The Frenchman debuted in F1 mid-way through 2009 with the Enstone-based outfit, when it was known as Renault. He was not retained for the following year but went on to claim the GP2 title in 2011. 

He returned to F1 with Lotus in 2012 and has been racing for the team ever since, scoring 10 podiums. He will leave Lotus at the end of the season. Haas F1 had originally planned to join the F1 grid in 2015 but opted to instead defer to 2016. The team has a partnership with Ferrari and has now confirmed one of its two drivers. 

"We wanted an experienced driver capable of developing our car and our race team into one that can score points and better itself each race and each season," said Gene Haas, founder and chairman of the team. 

"We found him in Romain Grosjean. I’ve been involved in motorsports for a long time and learned early on the most crucial component is the driver. Romain has strong credentials and he will be an important asset to Haas F1 Team." 

Grosjean added: "What Gene Haas and everyone at Haas F1 Team is building is impressive, and I’m very proud to be a part of it. Formula 1 is incredibly competitive and the only way to succeed is by finding new ways of doing things. 

"This is a new opportunity with a new team that is taking a very different approach to Formula 1. I believe in their approach and they believe in me. While I am committed to giving my absolute best to my current team in these last five races, I am very excited for what the future holds at Haas F1 Team." 

Grosjean is expected to be joined at Haas by Ferrari reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez. Tuesday's news now means there is a vacant seat at Lotus for 2016 alongside Pastor Maldonado.

This article first appeared on Richland F1.

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