Despite the speculation linking Kimi Raikkonen with a move to Red Bull or Ferrari, Lotus team boss Eric Boullier says he is confident the Finn will remain with the Enstone outfit.

Though many insist the Red Bull seat is Daniel Ricciardo's, a move 'confirmed' by Mark Webber ahead of yesterday's race but immediately dismissed by the team, some believe a late deal could yet see Raikkonen join his buddy Vettel next season.

On the other hand, despite being unceremonially dumped by Ferrari in order to make way for Fernando Alonso, a healthy financial package, and a decent car, could yet entice him back to Maranello.

However, despite the speculation surrounding his team, and talk of delayed payment to their star driver, Boullier insists he is quietly confident that the Iceman will remain on board.

"Yes, I am," he replied when asked if he was confident of keeping Kimi, who yesterday saw his record breaking string of finishes disappear in a cloud of (brake) dust. "He loves this team. He likes to be here and he likes the environment we created for him.

"I understand he needs to be reassured about the strength of the team financially, the technical challenge we have to face for next year, it's normal," he added.

Though unwilling to reveal what issues stand in the way of a deal being agreed, thereby ending the speculation, Boullier insists they can be resolved.

"They are solvable if we can put in place the package we want to put in place," he said. "There is a lot of effort in this team to compete at the highest level. Obviously you need to establish another strategy once you reach the first step. It's like playing in the Premier League, fighting for some wins and let's say top three position in the championship. If you want then to be consistently successful like like Man Utd, you need another level of investment and commitment and this is what we are looking and working for."