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[Hammer278]

They just hired Crashonaldo....they don't even know if they're going to have an engine yet.....their title sponsor looks like some dodgy scam...

You call that bold?

[spankyham]

I've now heard from 2 separate sources, who are usually reliable, that Lotus has laid off "a lot" of staff telling them to look for jobs elsewhere.

[bud]

Such a shame, they clearly had the abilities, taking it to the big boys. If only they had the budget of Ferrari or Redbull.

[What's Burning?]

Maybe now Caterham can get their name back?

[LRW]

I've now heard from 2 separate sources, who are usually reliable, that Lotus has laid off "a lot" of staff telling them to look for jobs elsewhere.

So if the worst happens - what for the drivers - as there are very few seats left? I wouldn't lose sleep over Maldonado not getting a drive - but it'd be a shame for Grosjean - just as he started getting form....

[Jabberwocky]

What happened to the cash injection?

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[LRW]

What happened to the cash injection?

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They paid Kimi?

[1Lemon]

What happened to the cash injection?

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PDVSA money wasn't allowed to go on any previous debts

[myownalias]

I've not really been following F1 happenings during the off season; but not having an engine deal is quite a big issue on top of being in huge debt (to Kimi and who knows who else) and having to hire an arrogant delusional driver just to keep operating, maybe it's finally time for Lotus to give it up as a poor effort and send everyone home?

[Jabberwocky]

Wow who would of guessed a few years ago that Renault (The Enstone Team) would be in this situation

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[LRW]

Surely they must have an engine deal by now, and have just not announced?

Otherwise it's got to be too late, from a Technical stand point, to be ready for pre-season....?

[CookinFlat6]

Renault are one of their main creditors as they are still owed for previous engines. But if Renault pull the plug and force them into liquidation they definetely won't get paid. If lotus had investor money then they could keep all creditors happy by spreading a bit around but it appears that there is no investor and genii can't throw more money in to protect their bad money. So they likely won't pull the plug either. Crashtors money will have stipulations so it could be the end for the plucky Enstone squad, voluntary liquidation or a merger or sale.
The irony is that Crashtor will probably end up displacing a confirmed driver at another team.

[What's Burning?]

At this point without an engine even if they do make the grid they're basically forfeiting 2014.

[Jabberwocky]

Lotus Soap Box racing sounds good

[CookinFlat6]

They have probably proceeded on the assumption they will have a Renault engine and Renault probably supplied all data etc pending payment. Technically speaking they will have prepared their chassis for a Renault power unit and if they sort out finance shouldn't be too far behind. If they find some serious ash injection Renault would likely give them a deal.
Maybe Renault will lend them the money or buy back into the team, but very unlikely