12/05/2016
NEWS STORY
Romain Grosjean has reiterated his desire to drive in a NASCAR road course event.
The Frenchman has previously admitted that he would like to take part in an event, and the fact that his F1 team owner, Gene Haas, co-owns the Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR team means the dream could become reality.
"So far I haven't spoken with my wife!" he told reporters in Barcelona. "But I definitely want to do it. It's something we've discussed since day one and it would be a great experience.
"When it will happen, I don't know," he admitted. "With 21 races it is already quite a tight schedule in F1. And you don't want to start on an oval, I wouldn't be very comfortable. We will find what is possible to do.
"It's heavier and more powerful, the brakes don't look to be the best brakes in the world, there's a lot of contact as well. There are a few things to learn. But why not? It's fun."
Earlier this week, Haas F1's chief operating officer, Joe Custer, admitted the team also thinks it would be "really cool".
"It's definitely on our wish list," he said. "We just have to make it work: whether it be this year, next year, whenever that is. We're not sure.
"He's made it clear that he wouldn't want his debut to be on an oval, where he's never done it before. There's so much going on. We have to figure out the testing opportunities and all the things that would make it a success."
In view of the road course stipulation, Sonoma in June or Watkins Glen in August are the most likely, as both events take place on non-F1 weekends.
Under NASCAR regulations, Haas currently fields the maximum four cars however it is unlikely that any of the four, including Danica Patrick, would be willing to give up their seat for the Frenchman.