10/05/2014
NEWS STORY
Lotus has responded to suggestions that it has not paid for its Renault engines thus far in 2014. The team had initially refused to comment when asked however, today it has moved to rebuff claims that it is the thorn in Renault's side.
"We have an agreement with Renault Sport F1 for the payment of our power units for 2014," the team confirmed to Pitpass. "We are 100% up to date with our agreement."
Speaking in the build up to this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, Renault motor sport boss Jean-Michel Jalinier said the French company was frustrated at the slow payment from teams, though he declined to identify them.
Both Caterham and Toro Rosso openly denied they were behind with payments during the Friday team principals press conference while Red Bull subsequently confirmed that it too is up to date.
However Lotus' statement does not actually deny the suggestion it has not paid for its engines. Where all other Renault-backed teams have categorically stated as such, Lotus has simply stated that it is up to date with its agreement, which could be interpreted as meaning the team has negotiated a revised payment plan on which it is yet to falter.
Mat Coch