![\"Eric-Boullier-2\"](\"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/gallery\/f1-2013-rif-images\/f1-2013-persons\/Eric-Boullier-2.jpg\")
In Austin at the weekend, Pastor Maldonado’s feisty mood with Williams tied in with paddock rumours the Venezuelan has now agreed to move to Lotus for 2014.<\/p>\nLotus is keeping a seat open for Nico Hulkenberg, in the hope the German can wait a little longer for the ‘Quantum’ investment deal to be completed.<\/p>\n
In Austin at the weekend, Pastor Maldonado’s feisty mood with Williams tied in with paddock rumours the Venezuelan has now agreed to move to Lotus for 2014.<\/p>\n
The Enstone based team has been open about its talks with Maldonado, but also clear is that his candidature – involving about EUR 40 million a year in PDVSA sponsorship – would be a fallback option in the event the Quantum deal collapses.<\/p>\n
Many in the paddock believe the money will indeed never arrive at Lotus.<\/p>\n
“He (Mansoor Ijaz) told me the same as he told everybody else,” said Hulkenberg.<\/p>\n
The German has always been Lotus’ first choice to replace the Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen, but as he is not substantially sponsored, he will only secure the seat if the Quantum millions do arrive.<\/p>\n
Hulkenberg admitted to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport that, like many in the paddock, he is now “sceptical”.<\/p>\n
That is why there are still reports doing the rounds that Hulkenberg’s manager Werner Heinz is working hard on a couple of fallback options; Force India and Sauber.<\/p>\n
Lotus boss Eric Boullier, however, admits he would rather sign Hulkenberg than Maldonado.<\/p>\n
“I think he would like to come to us,” said the Frenchman.\u00a0 “And we would also like him.<\/p>\n
“Grosjean and Hulkenberg would be one of the best driver lineups in formula one, and also very attractive for the financial side.”<\/p>\n
But Boullier said he would understand if Hulkenberg gives up the long wait.<\/p>\n
“Yes,” he acknowledged.\u00a0 “He has had a bad experience at Williams and doesn’t want to be in the same situation again.<\/p>\n
“So you couldn’t blame him if he signs somewhere else.\u00a0 It would just mean the timing was not right for him or for us,” said Boullier.<\/p>\n
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