Nov.12 (GMM) Romain Grosjean has admitted he almost quit motor sport after his formula one career hit the rocks after just seven grands prix in 2009.

Among the victims of the 'crashgate' saga, the Frenchman had replaced sacked Nelson Piquet at Renault but then fell by the wayside as Flavio Briatore's career foundered and the team moved into new hands.

"At one point at the start of 2010 I thought about stopping everything, stopping racing," Grosjean admitted to The National in Abu Dhabi.

"It was difficult, but two weeks later my decision came back, and I said no, this is what I really wanted to do.

"I watched the first grand prix of the year in 2010 and thought I need to get back and I always believed I could do it."

He was speaking as, at Yas Marina, he began to put his grand prix career back together with a seat in the Friday practice session.

Grosjean, who this year became the GP2 champion, is also a contender for the Renault race seat in 2012.

He will return to the R31 on Friday morning in Brazil and acknowledged the importance of the practice drives.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for me but I know it is a test from the team and they want to see how I have improved and changed since last time."

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