Lotus team onwner: We still have to take Grosjean 2013 F1 decision

Romain Grosjean in his Lotus E20 car

Gerard Lopez, team owner of the Lotus team, has played down rumours Romain Grosjean could be dropped.

Before the Frenchman got involved in yet another incident this weekend – a high-speed qualifying clash with Pedro de la Rosa – whispers in the Interlagos paddock suggested Grosjean’s future was less than secure.

That’s because of the 26-year-old’s tumultuous 2012 season, and the fact his teammate Kimi Raikkonen’s 2013 deal has already been announced.

“It is not yet completed, there are ongoing discussions,” said Lopez, the head of Lotus’ investment company owner, Genii.

“The decision will be made after the season.”

When asked by France’s RMC Sport if Grosjean could be ousted, Lopez answered: “No, this is not the subject right now.

“The subject is to sit down and see what we are going to do.”

The buzz in the Interlagos paddock has been that Lotus is pursuing a high-profile figure for 2013, just as it did when it brought Raikkonen back from a rallying sabbatical this season.

One name mentioned a few times has been Robert Kubica’s, even though the talented Pole is saying openly that his injuries are still preventing him from driving a single seater.

And Lopez told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport: “There is no ‘Kimi’ on the market right now.”

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