Renault takeover delay making Lotus Formula 1 team's life difficult

Renault has been working to take over the Enstone-based team for several months, with staff already joining Lotus personnel at the factory to start work on 2016 projects.

Renault Sport managing director Cyril Abiteboul said in Abu Dhabi the company hopes to finalise the takeover this week while Lotus deputy team boss Federico Gastaldi added the final details remain in Renault's hands.

Permane told Autosport: "Hopefully we don't have to wait too long because if we have to wait much longer, it will be very difficult.

"We hope Renault make a decision in the next few days."

Despite the uncertainty over the team's future, Permane is convinced the outfit will be ready to compete next season.

But he concedes that should the Renault deal happen, it will be a transitional year with the focus on building a long-term plan for success.

"We'll be ready to go and if Renault come in, no doubt they'll be coming in with a long-term serious plan so they'll want to start next year and build on it year on year," he said.

"It won't be that they are coming in and thinking they are going to win the championship next year.

"They'll be coming in, building Enstone back up to what it was previously and going for championships in years to come.

"Let's hope they do make the decision to take us over and we'll see from there."