Two senior members of the Lotus team have insisted that they are fully behind Romain Grosjean.

The 27-year-old has been overshadowed by Kimi Raikkonen in the early stages of the new season but team principal Eric Boullier and technical director James Allison have both defended their driver.

Boullier told reporters: "If he was very good from the start of last season, Kimi's been excellent from the start of 2013. He gives everything you want from a driver at every moment on track.

"This will be frustrating for Romain at times as it's very, very difficult to beat the Kimi who arrives at the track this season, but it's also a tremendous opportunity as he's learning from the very best."

Allison said: "Romain is fast, smooth and good at looking after tyres, however we have not yet managed to give him a consistent car that lets him bring his talent to bear."

The Formula 1 season continues in Bahrain this weekend.