Romain Grosjean expects Lotus to struggle at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix due to the low-downforce configuration required at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
Lotus have only scored eight points so far in 2014, at the same stage in 2013, the Enstone based squad were fourth in the constructor’s championship with 187 points.
Overall the E22 has been uncompetitive all season and the lack of power from their Renault engine will only exacerbate their speed deficit.
“I think that it will be tough for us,” Grosjean said. “On paper it is not one of the races that we should do that well at. But as always we will be fighting hard and trying to get the maximum from the weekend, so that it gives us good momentum for the Singapore weekend later in September when we should be stronger and the track should suit the E22 a little better.
“We will have a one-off rear wing for Monza and the key will be to make the car as quick as possible from an aero point of view, so that we can get back some of the performance from our straight-line speed disadvantage. Then we have to manage the tyre degradation.
“Also for us it will be tricky in the big corners like the Lesmos and the Ascari chicane because the less downforce you have then the more difficult it is to get good grip in the turns. It is a tough compromise but one I am sure that the team will get the best solution possible.”
Grosjean has yet to sign a new deal with Lotus for next season. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to McLaren where his manager Éric Boullier currently holds the position of racing director.
