With some claiming the proposed buy-in by Renault has stalled and others insisting it will happen, probably later this month, rumours concerning Lotus' future are rife.

Alan Permane has already admitted that upgrades are something the Enstone outfit can only dream of, money at Enstone being too tight to mention.

"Everything is under control," insists deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi. "Certainly, this is a lean-running year and you wouldn't want to attempt running much leaner.

"Thankfully we do have some fantastic partners," he adds, "all of whom understand the situation and are tremendously supportive."

In reaction to reports that bills are not being paid and even claims that the team might not make it to Singapore, he said: "I need to clarify some misunderstanding too, all our sponsors and partners have paid on time and some even ahead of time.

"We're certainly a pretty long way from being flush with money - unlike some of our rival teams - but we've done what has been necessary to make the team far more efficient and viable going forward.

"They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," he adds. "I can confirm that the team is very much alive but we have been going through a very strenuous workout programme this season! Things have certainly been tight and we've embraced the Japanese just-in-time philosophy a little too literally on occasions. All this has been necessary but we keep fighting the good fight.

"We believe in the team; we believe in Formula 1 and we believe we'll still be here fighting for the rest of this season and beyond. Don't believe any of the negative rumours you hear."

Asked about Renault, he says: "It would be fantastic for the sport and a mega-positive note for Enstone to see their return, but until any deal is signed, sealed and delivered we keep focused on our current tasks. It would be a very different project for Enstone and there's been a lot of change over the past few years since they last had a full works team entry. Here in Enstone we're used to adapting and making the most of situations. Certainly we would relish any opportunity to be a works team and welcome them back!"