Lotus driver Pastor Maldonado has denied that he is responsible for ramping up tensions with his teammate Romain Grosjean, by refusing to sit out FP1 for a pay driver.
In Barcelona, it emerged that tension between the pair was growing over the 'Friday practice' issue, as it is always Grosjean who is giving up his cockpit for reserve Jolyon Palmer.
The strongly PDVSA-backed Maldonado has reportedly refused to budge as his contract guarantees him the seat in each session, but he apparently told journalists in Barcelona that he is willing to give up his car on a Friday if he is asked.
"I have raised it already ten times, and still nothing happens," Grosjean claimed.
Then, on Sunday in Barcelona, the two black E23s collided, resulting in Venezuelan Maldonado having to carry around substantial damage to his rear wing, and eventually retire.
Maldonado, however, claims there is no problem between himself and Grosjean, despite their coming-together.
"I talked to him, but there is no problem," he is quoted by Universo. "It was a very light touch, there was no intention on either side so it is very clear -- it's something that happens."
Maldonado has retired from four of the five races so far this year, and is yet to score a single point. Frenchman Grosjean, meanwhile, says the Enstone team needs to improve.
"We now have a car that is a good base," he told RMC Sport, "but we need new parts as the ones we have are getting a bit old."
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