Grosjean looks ready to join Haas F1

Speaking after Friday’s rain-affected practice sessions, driver Romain Grosjean said of the situation: “It’s quite fun – it’s like camping!”

Unpaid bills from last year’s Japanese Grand Prix have kept Lotus out of their hospitality unit, but with Bernie Ecclestone as boss, they haven’t gone hungry.

Daniel Ricciardo clocked the fourth fastest time behind Hamilton with Singapore victor Sebastian Vettel steering his Ferrari to the fifth-quickest lap.

Lotus, who remain in talks with Renault over a buy-out deal, announced in Singapore they would retain the heavily-backed Pastor Maldonado, who is thought to bring in around £35million in Venezuelan sponsorship.

The Formula One driver has yet to confirm his exact plans for next season but has admitted that, yes, a decision has been made.

Managing director Jonathan Neale said: “Jenson is a fantastic guy, a world champion and a big part of our family at McLaren for six seasons”.

Haas has scheduled a news conference for a driver announcement next Tuesday at its Kannapolis, North Carolina, headquarters.

“We are here, things are turning up late but the most important is that our group of people is still here ready to race”, said Grosjean, who is tipped to leave Lotus at the end of the season to join the new U.S.-owned Haas team. “I looked at everything, and at some point you have to move forward and say, ‘Come on, let’s go.’ I can not tell you more except that I am very happy with the choice I have made and, in my head, it was very clear”. “I can’t comment any further yet but in my mind it’s done”.

Grosjean sat on a food-cooling esky in the garage during practice as the team is still locked out of its hospitality tent in the paddock. “It is all done”.