Romain Grosjean believes Lotus can challenge for points this Formula One season after declaring himself “a happy driver” again.

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After scoring six podium finishes in 2013, Grosjean and Lotus endured a wretched 2014 as the Frenchman clambered into the top 10 on just two occasions.

The significant discrepancy followed the introduction of the new 1.6-litre power unit at the start of last year, and supplier Renault’s woes with the system. 

Lotus have since dumped Renault and taken up a vacancy in Mercedes’ supply chain with long-time client McLaren switching to Honda. For Grosjean and team-mate Pastor Maldonado, who collected a woeful two points in 2014, there was relief at the first pre-season test in Jerez last week that they again have a competitive car.

“Last year we really struggled and nothing went as planned as the car was very inconsistent and doing whatever it wanted,” said Grosjean. “It meant we went from a wonderful season (in 2013) into a long one (in 2014) as we kept getting things wrong. 

“The first impressions of the new car are really good as everything on it we didn’t like has now gone.

“We’ve got rid of most of the weak points of last year’s car and what remains is very little. I drove over 50 laps (last Wednesday in Jerez) and enjoyed every one of them. The whole package feels better.

“Engine-wise we know we have the best one on the grid and things are working nicely, and in terms of the chassis it is now the same 
story (as 2013). Right now we have a consistent car as you go into the corner and you know what you are going to get.”

Grosjean has conceded his joy manifested itself in a simple phone call, adding: “I called my wife after we stopped running and I said ‘I’m a happy driver’. She said ‘that’s good’.

“That’s all you want, so you can say I am a happy driver again, and now I truly hope and believe we can be back in the points.

“If you enjoy driving the car from the start and it goes where you want it shows you have a good starting point and you can build from there.”