Lotus trackside operations director Alan Permane says he is relieved to now know that the future of the team is safe, following confirmation of Renault’s takeover.
The French car manufacturer confirmed on Friday that it will go ahead with its takeover of the Enstone team, ending months of uncertainty over the deal, whilst also securing hundreds of jobs.
Lotus had been in dire financial trouble and would likely have folded had Renault not stepped in.
Permane is therefore thankful that the team no longer needs to worry about its finances, but admitted the takeover won’t suddenly boost their performance.
“The first year [as Renault] will not be easy,” he told Auto Motor und Sport. “But in the end you are working just as intensively, no matter whether you’re employed by Mercedes or Manor. Only the wage on the race track is different.
“For us the important thing is that we now have a secure future. The worst thing for us was the uncertainty of recent months. People with families and children did not know if they will still have a job next year.
“If you still had this situation on your mind [next year], then it makes work really difficult.”
Permane insists they will be able to make the first test in February, despite their 2016 project running behind schedule.
“We’ll be there. It’s no secret that we are running late. But we can make it, as we always have done.”
