Enstone based Lotus is switching to field-leading Mercedes power for 2015, which has helped bosses to convince Frenchman Romain Grosjean to stay.

Grosjean, who has endured a frustrating 2014 campaign, finishing in the points on just two occasions, has spent his entire F1 career with the Enstone-based team, having made seven appearances for the then-Renault squad in 2009 before rejoining the team from the 2011 season onwards.

“Romain is in pole position and honestly it’s a case of us finalising a few details,” said deputy team boss Federico Gastaldi.

Grosjean himself confirmed that he and Lotus are “very close” to a deal.

Pastor Maldonado, who has scored none of the team’s eight points in 2014, is also staying put for 2015, and the pair will reportedly have a standard, Mercedes-style nose out in front of their car next season