As Lotus collapse, Romain Grosjean says ‘spirit is still there’ nonetheless

Lotus driver Romain Grosjean was out in the rain on Thursday - literally, as the team were locked out of the Suzuka paddock with their finances in disarray ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Lotus driver Romain Grosjean conducts interviews under umbrellas ahead of Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. Yuriko Nakao / AFP / September 24, 2015

Lotus driver Romain Grosjean was forced to conduct his Japanese Grand Prix media briefings in the rain after his red-faced team were locked out of their hospitality tent on Thursday.

The British-based constructor face an uncertain future amid mounting money problems which came to a head in Suzuka.

They will appear in the High Court in London for a third time on September 28 over an unpaid tax bill, and some of their freight for this weekend’s race, including their pool of Mercedes engines, only arrived in the paddock shortly after lunch.

The team now face a race against time to have everything in place for Friday’s opening practice session.

“It is quite good to see the hospitality you get in the paddock when you are running out of food and the other teams are opening their doors,” said Grosjean, who was forced to dine at Renault, with Lotus unable to provide any food for him. “Hopefully it should all be sorted and the most important thing is we have what we need to race.”

Grosjean, who finished third at the Belgian Grand Prix, added: “It does not mean we can’t fight for podiums this weekend. Look at Spa, we had bailiffs in the garage and we ended up on the podium. It is just not nice for Enstone and it is a situation which is very tricky. We are waiting for answers and confirmation for the future of the team, but the spirit is still there.”

Lotus are in talks with car manufacturer Renault over a takeover deal to secure their Formula One future. Grosjean meanwhile appears set to leave the cash-strapped outfit at the end of the season with newly-formed American outfit Haas poised to be his next move.

The team, who will make their debut in 2016, are in partnership with Ferrari and Grosjean is reportedly eyeing a race seat with the Italian team the following year.

“There is no deadline but it should be done sooner rather than later – in my mind it is done and I am happy,” Grosjean, who hopes an announcement regarding his future will be made next week, said. “You can always change your mind but I am pretty pleased with my choice.”

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