Lotus closing on replacement for Romain Grosjean for 2016 F1 season

Grosjean's four-year spell as a race driver for the Enstone-based outfit will come to an end when he switches to the new Haas F1 team for next year.

Maldonado has been re-signed for 2016, and Lotus deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi is happy with the progress being made on finding the Venezuelan a new team-mate.

"We won't be disclosing it before we announce it, but certainly we have been speaking to drivers and we have a pretty good idea who we will have in the car," he said.

"The remorseless passing of time means that you always get closer to something in the future, so yes, we are closer to making an announcement.

"I would say something will come sooner rather than later."

Maldonado wants experienced team-mate

Lotus is still finalising its sale to Renault, and Gastaldi remains optimistic the operation is heading in the right direction.

"There's an underlying confidence and strengthening resolve at Enstone as we have a positive outlook for the future, all of which will become evident before too long," he said.

"I feel positive and know we're doing everything we can to capitalise on the opportunities ahead."