Grosjean set for Hockenheim grid penalty 13 Jul 2012
Romain Grosjean’s hopes of a maiden victory in next weekend’s German Grand Prix have taken an early knock after Lotus confirmed they are going to have to change the gearbox on his car, a move which will incur a five-place grid penalty.
Grosjean drove a strong race at the last round in Great Britain, coming through the field after an early clash with Force India’s Paul di Resta to finish sixth, but Lotus became aware of a transmission issue on the Frenchman’s final lap.
"It was a gearbox problem and we are very fortunate that Romain didn't have the problem earlier in the race,” confirmed Lotus technical director James Allison. "Unfortunately for Romain it means he'll take a five-place grid penalty at Hockenheim, but he certainly showed at Silverstone that dropping down the order won't stop him challenging at the sharp end."
Grosjean has twice finished on the podium this season and lies seventh in the driver standings on 61 points, two places and 22 points behind team mate Kimi Raikkonen.
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