The Lotus F1 Team could face the possibility of being unable to leave Spa-Francorchamps after this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix after it was understood that former reserve Charles Pic is taking legal action against the team.
Pic was signed as reserve driver for the 2014 season to regular drivers Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado, but feels the team did not provide the Frenchman with a certain number of days in the seat of the E22 that he was promised.
It is believed Pic’s disagreement with Lotus is now in the hands of an arbitration court, with a Belgian court order effectively preventing the team’s cars and equipment from leaving Spa-Francorchamps at the end of the weekend.
Lawyers from both sides are looking into the matter and are locked in discussions to clear the problem, with Lotus co-owner Gerard Lopez confident the issue can be resolved quickly, perhaps even before the start of the race on Sunday.
“We are having our legal department look at it. This will be solved, and solved in a manner that is adequate,” said Lopez to Autosport.
“We know there is a difference in the number of the days [Pic should have driven], but I know we’ll find an amicable solution, and the show goes on.
“I think the cars will leave as planned. I don’t envisage there being an issue. I know there will be a resolution.”
