Lotus expects Renault to keep drivers

Maldonado – heavily backed by Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA – and Palmer both signed contracts before Renault confirmed its takeover plans last week.

"The contracts have been agreed with Renault," Carter told Reuters, following Monday's High Court hearing involving Lotus and the British tax authorities.

"No decision has been made on a third driver, so whether or not they [Renault] have someone French maybe lined up for that role, I don't know."

Renault boss Carlos Ghosn had hinted at changes, stating that further details over "the goals, the drivers, the strategy and the partners" would follow in January.

But Carter doubts Renault will alter the driver line-up.

"As we all know, contracts can be broken if parties particularly want to, but they [the drivers] have both got contracts," added Carter, when pushed on the matter.

"I think in January it's just going to be an announcement of everything. I think there's going to be team name, driver line-ups, colours of car or sponsors etc."

Carter summed up: "Pastor and his funds are part and parcel of Renault's plans certainly for the next 12 months. I think the two drivers will be as we think."