Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsLotus F1

Lotus cars return to base

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Lotus, whose equipment had been impounded since last weekend at Spa F1, finally received the okay to leave Belgium and return to base

The cash-strapped team was allowed to race in last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix while bailiffs overlooked the team's cars and equipment following the initiation of a legal dispute between Lotus and its former reserve driver Charles Pic.

Current season the worst financially for Lotus - Permane

The French driver initiated proceedings and is allegedly asking for €800,000 in damages and compensation. Although the dispute has yet to be formally settled, Lotus was allowed to load its cars on its trucks and head back to its Enstone base in order to prepare for the next's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Romain Grosjean claimed a welcomed third place podium finish in Spa which went a long way towards appeasing the team's depreciated spirit of late, but uncertainties remain however with regard to the outfit's immediate and long-term future.

Ongoing discussions with Renault involving an outright buy-out of Lotus appear to be coming to a head, with an announcement by the French manufacturer either confirming or rejecting the deal expected in early September.

Renault, who is believed to have also approached Force India regarding a take-over, is said to offer Lotus shareholder Genii Capital EUR 7.5 million up front and EUR 50 million over a ten year period in exchange for a 60% stake in the team.

Click here for F1i's driver ratings after the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.