Talks between Williams F1 team and Valtteri Bottas "positive"

Over the past few months Bottas has been linked with a drive for Ferrari for next season as a potential replacement for Kimi Raikkonen.

But with the Scuderia finally ending the speculation surrounding the Raikkonen by taking up the option in his contract for 2016, one avenue of opportunity has been removed for Bottas.

Coton, however, has told AUTOSPORT the situation as far as he is concerned remains unaltered as he continues to focus on talks with Williams.

"Ferrari has made a decision, and that's fine, but for us it doesn't change things," said Coton. "Why would it?

"I've said many times it was nothing to do with us because Maurizio [Arrivabene, Ferrari team principal] has been very clear in the past.

"He often said he wanted to assess the situation with Kimi, and when he had done that he would make a decision, and now he has made a decision.

"From my side we have also been very clear that the team [Williams] has an option on Valtteri, which is no big secret.

"The discussions on that with Williams started a long time ago. We didn't wait for all these rumours to start doing our job."

Coton confirmed nothing has yet been finalised with Williams, but he is happy with the way negotiations have so far progressed.

"Honestly, I've no idea as to when they will announce anything," added Coton.

"It depends on whatever it depends on. It is up to the team.

"All I can say is I have discussions ongoing with Claire [Williams, deputy team principal] and the board, and they are all positive."