According to French publication Auto Hebdo, Renault could keep the Lotus moniker in 2016 as the constructor inches ever closer to buying out the Enstone-based squad.
Renault signed and issued a Letter of Intent signalling a Lotus takeover in late September, but negotiations have been dragging on ever since. Deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi even revealed that the deal could be delayed until December in the wake of a long acquisition process.
However, Auto Hebdo reports that Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn should finally give the green light to the agreement this week with an official announcement expected soon afterwards.
With 2016 set to be a transitional year, Renault could elect to keep the Lotus name for next year. The rationale behind such decision would be to avoid tarnishing the French manufacturer’s image in case the new outfit proves to be uncompetitive.
No matter which designation the squad eventually goes by, its driver line-up will consist of Pastor Maldonado and Jolyon Palmer.
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