Gastaldi expects more Lotus speculation at Spa

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Lotus deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi says he expects more speculation regarding the team's future at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Renault has been linked with a takeover of Lotus as it weighs up a return to F1 as a constructor, while Lotus has also been facing financial difficulties which culminated in the late delivery of tyres from Pirelli at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Looking ahead to the Belgian Grand Prix next weekend, when asked what the latest situation is at the team Gastaldi says it is business as usual.

"This is always part of Formula 1, the rumour, intrigue and speculation," Gastaldi said. "We can expect all kinds of waffle in the Spa paddock but there’s nothing to report from the team; we’re focusing on our racing and we’re hopeful of a strong result in Spa."

Gastaldi also says he expects Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado to have used the mid-season break to return fully focused on getting the most out of the rest of the year.

"After the excitement of the Hungarian Grand Prix everyone was ready for a break! It’s very important for the drivers to have good, strong, positive mind sets for their racing no matter what’s gone on in the first half of the season.

"Drivers are very good at resetting themselves and getting on with the task of racing, but a longer break away from not just racing but also the factory and other demands helps that little bit more with this. I’m expecting two revitalised chaps to jump back into the cars at Spa and the plan is to push all the way, after all there are still a lot of points up for grabs."

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