Lotus F1 team 'well progressed' with development of 2016 car

Given Lotus's financial struggles this season, and the fact the team's accounts have been locked down amid the discussions with Renault, development on this year's car ground to a halt.

But with an announcement of Renault's takeover expected over the course of the final race weekend in Abu Dhabi later this month, and with Renault staff already on board work has continued on the 2016 car.

Technical director Nick Chester said: "We're well progressed through the design process and most of the layout has been done.

"We've learned a lot over the past two seasons, and all this knowledge is being put into next year's car.

"There hasn't been the greatest amount of development through the year on the E23, so we've been able to dedicate quite a bit of additional manpower to our 2016 challenger.

"Manufacture of some of the parts is already underway and we're looking at a lot of the final detailing currently."

With two grands prix remaining - in Brazil this weekend and then Abu Dhabi - Lotus's main aim is to hold on to sixth place in the constructors' championship, with Toro Rosso just six points adrift.

Deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi concedes the past few months have been difficult for everyone in the team.

Gastaldi said: "We're putting everything into finishing the season as well as possible.

"It's been a hard fight for us this year, in some ways even harder than 2014, but we keep pushing looking to maximise every opportunity that comes our way."