Lotus insist future is bright as Romain Grosjean shines
Lotus insisted on Saturday that their plans for 2014 remain on track despite apparent delays to a widely-expected investment in the team by the Quantum consortium.
|Last Updated: Nov 24, 2013, 08:52 AM IST|Source: AFP
Sao Paulo: Lotus insisted on Saturday that their plans for 2014 remain on track despite apparent delays to a widely-expected investment in the team by the Quantum consortium.
Team boss Eric Boullier, who saw much-improved Frenchman Romain Grosjean take sixth place on the grid for Sunday`s Brazilian Grand Prix, said he still believed the deal will happen.
He said: "There is still some discussion ongoing and now between bankers... The process is not fully completed, but I think part of it has been done which is a good sign. We hope obviously that everything is closed by early next week."
The deal may decide the identity of Grosjean`s team-mate next season.
Nico Hulkenberg, currently with Sauber, who qualified 10th, has been linked with the seat for several months, but may face a challenge from heavily sponsored Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado, released by Williams.
Maldonado has a reported 35 million euros sponsorship deal to support his hopes of bagging the drive.
Finn Heikki Kovalainen, who has been standing in for injured compatriot Kimi Raikkonen, has also been named as a possible contender.
He qualified 11th in Saturday`s rain-swept session.
Talks are between the international consortium backed by investors in the United States and the Middle East and the Lotus owners.
Boullier added: "You need to have the right package to get the right driver, but sometimes maybe the right driver is with the right package," he said.
"We will do our best to keep our thoughts all together. That is the main point, making sure the team is sticking together and the basic ingredients are on board - to deliver the best package we can.
"I am still confident I will get one of the guys I want..."
For Boullier and Lotus, Grosjean`s surge in form and composure has been the highlight of the season as he emerged as the most improved driver on the grid.
Asked for an explanation for his run of form and points, he admitted that becoming a father had helped him mature and gave credit also to the work of a psychologist.
"I knew I was capable," he explained. "We have a good car and a good team. It just works. It`s not a secret. That`s what we have been trying to achieve every weekend."
As to his engagement with a psychologist, he added: "I think it has made a huge difference. I knew I was quick and capable of winning the title. I just needed to put things together. It has made me a better man and a better driver."
And on driving around Interlagos in treacherous conditions, he said: "It`s certainly a challenge with the spray and standing water, but despite this it`s still awesome to be driving around Interlagos."
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.