Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has confirmed he has spoken with Pastor Maldonado about the vacant seat at the Enstone team and says the discussions are ongoing.
It was rumoured that Lotus were interested in signing the Venezuelan because of the vast sponsorship package he brings. At present, Maldonado’s PDVSA backing supports Williams to the tune of £15 million ($25m) per season.
“We had discussions with him [Maldonado], yes, it’s true,” Boullier told Sky Sports. “They are still going on.”
However with Lotus and Quantum Motorsport set to strike a deal which will see the investment group take a 35 per cent stake in the team, money might not be such an issue.
When asked who his preferred candidate for the seat would be, he replied: “Nico Hulkenberg…I would love to [sign him]. This is the recommendation that I gave to my board.”
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