Lotus team boss Eric Boullier has said that the efforts made by Romain Grosjean to become more focused and consistent in the sport have started paying off.

Romain Grosjean came under intense criticism last season after being involved in several crashes. Many questioned his ability to drive at this top level of motorsport. There were even suggestions that Lotus would not be interested in continuing with him in the 2013 season. However, Boullier took the decision to retain Grosjean, and he has said that the 26-year-old Frenchman has repaid his faith.

After being involved in more than seven first lap incidents last season, the Frenchman finished in the 10th position at the season opener – the 2013 Australian Grand Prix.

He then managed to finish ahead of his teammate Kimi Raikkonen, who won the opening Grand Prix, in the Malaysian Grand Prix. These results have made Boullier assume that the Frenchman might have turned a corner in the 2013 season. Boullier has said that Grosjean has always had the qualifying place, but he has struggled to replicate the form in races. However, the effort he has taken in becoming more focused and consistent have started paying off.

Grosjean started the Malaysian Grand Prix in 11th position, but he made up several places to finish the race in the sixth position. Boullier has said that the poor qualifying performance of the Frenchman was largely down to the changing weather conditions. He expects an even better performance from the 26-year-old at the Chinese Grand Prix, which will take place in three weeks time. Lotus have started the new season in a promising fashion. The team second in the constructors championship table, while the star driver Kimi Raikkonen also occupies the same position in the driver’s championship table.

“I think you saw a strong Romain doing a good race. We know he has good pace over one lap so obviously it’s about qualifying well and having a normal race condition,” said Boullier.