- Lotus
Deal for Grosjean to stay at Lotus 'very close'
Lotus is just a few "finalised details" away from confirming Romain Grosjean as its second race driver for 2015.
The team announced Pastor Malonado would remain at the team earlier this year, but Grosjean has been the source of some speculation as he evaluated his options for next season. However, with the plans of the top teams starting to fall into place, Lotus deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi said Grosjean is very close to securing the remaining race seat for 2015.
"Romain is in pole position for that place and honestly it's a case of us finalising a few details," he said. "We expect to have an announcement very shortly. Like the technical package confirmation [for Mercedes power units in 2015] there has been a lot going on in the offices at Enstone, as well as the pits and paddock. It is all looking very good and exciting for the team going forwards."
Asked why a deal had not yet been announced, Grosjean added: "Maybe we think it's fun to keep the media speculating! Honestly, we're very close to having something to announce but there's no pressure on when we say something."
Mercedes power units should make Lotus more competitive next season and Grosjean said the team is looking forward to better results in 2015.
"This is something we've known about internally for quite some time and I know the engineering department are very excited. For myself I can't wait to get to testing next season as that's when we'll know if next year's car is any good."
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