Lotus not giving up on Quantum deal despite ongoing delays

The Enstone-based team had been hoping that money would be transferred into its accounts this week, but that has not happened.

But as it closes in on a decision of whether to sign Nico Hulkenberg or Pastor Maldonado, the team knows that time is ticking.

Lotus boss Eric Boullier said that the Quantum deal was far from dead, and that discussions were ongoing to try to get the matter finalised early next week.

"There is still some discussion ongoing and now between bankers," he said. "The process is not fully completed, but I think part of it has been done which is a good sign for the weekend.

"We hope obviously that everything is closed by early next week."

The pressure on Boullier to know what is happening is increasing, with rival teams making moves to capture Maldonado, whom Lotus has made clear it will sign if it cannot push ahead with Hulkenberg.

The danger for Lotus is that if it holds on too long for the Quantum deal it could risk losing Hulkenberg and Maldonado, leaving it without either of its preferred candidates.

Boullier said that his team was still comfortable with how its driver plans would turn out, despite the uncertainty over Quantum.

"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..."