Green light for Lotus, Lopez: "We're almost there with Renault"

Despite the multiple doubts relieved by the delay in the acquisition of Lotus by Renault, Gerard Lopez, President and number one of the British team, confirmed that the agreement between the parties it's almost closed. The Luxembourger confirmed what had been circulating in recent days, namely that the announcement of the transfer of ownership of the Enstone team will come following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

We were at end of September when the transalpine company, through a press release, stated that it had signed a joint agreement with Lotus letter of intent which represented the first step towards the acquisition of the team: “We are almost there with Renault – declared Gerard Lopez to his Sky Sports F1 colleagues – We are very close to the agreement, to the definitive announcement even if I understand that Renault needs to clarify some things with FOM”.
Although the Enstone team returns to the hands of the French company, Lopez will not leave Formula 1: “They have me asked to stay and that's what I'll do. I will remember what happened with Lotus as an incredible adventure. You find yourself at the head of a team that is currently sixth in the Constructors' World Championship, has won races and can boast 23 podiums. I'm proud of what we achieved together."

And in the meantime, just for prepare as best as possible his return to Formula 1, Renault is thinking about which men to insert in the leadership positions in Lotus: according to the latest rumors Frederic Vasseur will take the place held by Federico Gastaldi while the role of technical director will be hired by Bob Bell who returns to Enstone after a short while spent in Mercedes and in Manor while Mike Gascoyne could be filmed in the role of technical consultant, thus joining Bell.

Eleonora Ottonello