Bailiffs move in at Lotus in Spa

©F1i

Lotus' celebrations following the Belgian Grand Prix were short-lived after bailiffs moved in at Spa-Francorchamps.

Following Romain Grosjean's third place in the race, bailiffs were present at the team's garage and trucks while the pack-up was ongoing, and also spent time at the Lotus motorhome.

The team was subject to court action ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, with former reserve driver Charles Pic claiming he had not been allowed to complete the agreed number of days driving the Lotus last year. F1i understands the bailiffs present at Spa on Sunday evening were associated with Pic's lawsuit, though the team is hopeful of reaching a resolution outside the race weekend.

Lotus has been facing a number of financial issues this year, with Pirelli threatening to withhold tyres on more than one occasion having been waiting for payment from the team.

The team has been in talks with Renault regarding a potential takeover but the French manufacturer has yet to finalise the deal. It is believed that Lotus F1 Team Ltd currently owes some £18 million (€25 million) to several creditors, suppliers and contractors.

Grosjean's impressive drive at Spa on Sunday gave the team its first podium since the United States Grand Prix in Austin in 2013.

Click here for Sunday's gallery of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. 

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