DECEMBER 17, 2012

Lotus confirms Romain Grosjean alongside Kimi Raikkonen

Despite recent stories linking Kamui Kobayashi and others to Lotus, the team has confirmed Romain Grosjean alongside Kimi Raikkonen for 2013. Grosjean, who won last weekend's Race of Champions, was in the headlines for both the right and wrong reasons throughout 2012.

Despite recent stories linking Kamui Kobayashi and others to Lotus, the team has confirmed Romain Grosjean alongside Kimi Raikkonen for 2013. Grosjean, who won last weekend's Race of Champions, was in the headlines for both the right and wrong reasons throughout 2012.

Grosjean was often quicker than Raikkonen but was involved in eight controverial contacts throughout the year, earning him a one race ban after precipitated the first lap shunt at Spa.

The longer the delay over Grosjean's future continued, the greater the speculation that he may be replaced but the French-Swiss can now sleep easy.

"It's fantastic to be continuing with Lotus," Grosjean said. "It's superb to have the support of everyone at Enstone. I'm really looking forward to rewarding their faith when we take to the track in Australia."

Lotus team boss and Grosjean's manager Eric Boullier added: "Romain is a great talent. With the continuity of two exceptional drivers like Romain and Kimi we are well placed to build on our strong 2012 with even better results in the year ahead.

"Both drivers worked well together in their first year as team mates and I think there is the potential of even better things for the season ahead."