Suzuka, Japan: Frenchman Romain Grosjean appears close to leaving troubled Lotus for new American-owned team Haas after a frustrating Japan practice on Friday.
With cash-strapped Lotus embarrassingly locked out of their hospitality unit in Suzuka for a second day over a payment issue, Grosjean stopped short of confirming speculation he was about to leave for a fresh challenge - but only just.
“I’ve made up my mind,” Grosjean told reporters after coming in 15th quickest in second free practice. “I can’t comment any further yet but in my mind it’s done. I’m happy with it.
“You will know soon,” Grosjean added as Haas, who will use Ferrari engines, prepared to make a driver announcement next Tuesday at their headquarters in North Carolina.
“The more I think about it, I am more and more happy with it. It is not so easy to take a decision in your life, your career - but it is part of our job.”
