Lotus driver Romain Grosjean is hoping that the mid-season break will pay off when the Formula 1 championship resumes at Spa-Fran-corchamps this weekend.

Despite a return of eight points for the Enstone-based team, the Frenchman is staying upbeat about the rest of the season.

“It is nice to switch off, even just for a short time,” said Grosjean.

“I come back to the paddock refreshed and with energy restored for the next phase.

“Despite the difficulties so far, I feel positive for the rest of the season.

“We have seen that there have been many issues since the start of the year and even before, but as with everything in life you have to look forward and this is exactly what I am doing.”

Grosjean is in his third season at Lotus and feels his experience will stand him in good stead.

He added: “Although the disappointments always hurt, I am also mature enough to know that when things get tough you are able to learn more and to try and work tow-ard being successful again.

“Ever since I have been at Enstone I have seen this determination to succeed and it will help us.

“When you match these qualities to the skill of the technical team then we should get some rewards, in the remaining races.

“We need to build some momentum and I will be going all out to make sure we get more points and exploit the best of the E22 for the rest of the season.”

Teammate Pastor Maldo-nado, who has yet to register a point, will be hoping to enjoy a change in fortune after the summer break.

He said: “It has been a very hard season and one in which there have been lots of issues.

“But now that is behind us we have to believe that we can get some points on the board.”