Kevin Magnussen is being linked with a possible role at Renault amidst speculation over Pastor Maldonado's seat.

Amidst claims that the young Dane recently spent time at Renault's Enstone factory, reports in the British media suggest that payments from Maldonado's main backer - Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA - are overdue.

Maldonado and Jolyon Palmer were both named for 2016 before Renault officially acquired a 90% holding in the Enstone team in December. Since the buy-out was completed there has been speculation regarding both drivers.

Other than the Venezuelan's on-track reputation, it is understood PDVSA's money - rumoured to be around £35m a year - is several weeks overdue.

However, it is claimed that Magnussen's recent visit to Enstone - which was in full view of staff - may have been a gentle nudge for PDVSA to hand over the money rather than confirmation that the Dane is heading for a place on the 2016 grid.

"It's speculation at the moment," a Renault spokesman told BBC Sport. "We have a contract with Pastor. That is the current situation.

"Who knows what could happen by Australia," the spokesman tantalisingly added, "but, at the moment, we are going forward with Pastor and Jolyon."

Magnussen is currently seeking a drive having been dropped by McLaren (by email, on his birthday) late, last year.

Currently, the only two seats yet to be (officially) filled are those at Manor.