Grosjean says Palmer situation 'not annoying'

Jun.19 (GMM) Romain Grosjean insists he is no longer annoyed about sitting out Friday practice sessions in 2015.

With the lucratively PDVSA-backed Pastor Maldonado contractually guaranteed participation in every session, it means Lotus teammate Grosjean is the one sitting out FP1 sessions this year.

That is because reserve and 'Friday' driver Jolyon Palmer is regularly taking over a cockpit at grands prix this year, reportedly thanks to the reigning GP2 champion's own set of sponsors.

Grosjean had earlier expressed frustration about the situation, but he told RMC in Austria: "This is something I have known about since the beginning of the year.

"I knew it would be me every time, so I was prepared. There are some circuits where it is better than others, but in general it is far from ideal."

Asked, however, if the situation is "annoying", Grosjean answered: "No.

"It was a little hard to accept at first, but that's the way it is. We have no choice, so we just have to handle the weekends a little differently and deal with it."

Lotus is having a much better season than the disastrous 2014, but Grosjean admitted closing the points gap to Williams and Red Bull is proving difficult.

"In order to get even closer to Williams," he said, "we need upgrades."

As for Red Bull, although that team is struggling with a Renault engine, Grosjean said Lotus' budget cannot compare.

"Every two races they bring a new nose and front wing, which is something we cannot do," said the Frenchman.