Grid penalty for Grosjean in Germany

13/07/2012

Lotus reveals that a gearbox change ahead of next weekend's German Grand Prix means that Romain Grosjean has incurred a five place grid penalty.

The Frenchman, who was involved in an incident with Paul di Resta on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix, necessitating a stop for a new front wing, delivered a spirited performance which saw him ultimately finish sixth.

However, a problem on the final lap, as he attempted to close the 7s gap to his teammate, turned out to be a gearbox issue, hence the team's decision to replace it ahead of next weekend's race.

"It was a gearbox problem and we are very fortunate that Romain didn't have the problem earlier in the race," said 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.