Maldonado has faith in Renault revival

Renault announced on Monday it had signed a letter of intent to purchase a controlling stake in Lotus and return to the former home in Enstone it last occupied in 2010.

The two parties now have up until early December to conclude a deal pending a potential return to the High Court for the latter over unpaid PAYE (tax and national insurance) to HMRC.

Maldonado, recently confirmed as a driver with the team for next season, feels Renault's impending takeover is "positive news" despite the French manufacturer's struggles with its engine since the V6 turbochargd system's inception last year.

"I'm looking forward to things progressing here," said the Venezuelan.

"I've worked with Renault in the past and know they are real racers.

"I know Enstone always works very hard and we've seen what the Enstone and Renault combination has achieved in the past. Let's hope there are great things ahead."

Deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi jokingly described the situation between the two parties as "engaged to be married again", but with a happy reunion beckoning.

Renault owned the Enstone team from 2000-10, and was also its engine supplier for two periods either side of that when it was running as Benetton and Lotus respectively.

"It's interesting as we've had a few relationships together before," Gastaldi added.

"But it's positive for the sport and it's positive for Enstone that a company with the history and prestige of Renault is looking to strengthen its role in Formula 1.

"It's true we've both experienced a few knocks over the years, but we've also had some exceptional highs.

"That makes us all collectively exceptionally motivated to harness our resilience and show everyone what we can do."

Although the agreement has yet to be formalised, Lotus technical director Nick Chester is already aware of the challenges that lie ahead with testing for 2016 starting in less than five months.

"It looks like there are exciting times ahead," said Chester.

"We've worked exceptionally closely with Renault for many years in our history, so it's going to be exciting to embark on a new phase of our relationship.

"There's a lot of work to do for next year, so it's certainly never a dull moment at Enstone."