Lotus F1 team secures funding for future, ensures Kimi's return for final races

The usually quiet and reserved Kimi Raikkonen was portraying a little emotions the past two race weekends - which started with a explict exchange with his team at the Indian Grand Prix - for not allowing his team mate Romain Grosjean to pass - and more recently a threat to walkout of the last two races in U.S.A and Brazil because he hasn't been paid for the whole year.

"Yeah, for sure. I enjoy racing and I enjoy driving but there's a big part of it that's business and sometimes when that's not dealt with like it should be we end up in unfortunate situations. You have to put the line somewhere and if it goes over that it is not really my fault anymore."

During the recently concluded Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he showed up only on Friday - after reaching an agreement with the team over his overdue pay - of some £17 million (S$33.7 million). While he eventually took part in the race, he had warned he would quit before the end of the season if the team does not stick to its side of the deal.

Eric Boullier, Team Principle of Lotus F1 Team told reporters on Friday, the issue is being settled and talks were held between the driver and team owner, Gerard Lopez. It seems there are developments to the story after Lotus F1 finally secured - their long overdue - corporate sponsorship.

Back in June, Lotus announced Quantum Motorsports - a Middle East-backed investment consortium known originally as Infinity Racing Partners - would acquire a 35 percent stake in the team from owners Genii Capital.

With the deal taking longer than expected, the Lotus team is suggested to be struggling with making payments to their suppliers as well as their World Champion driver. With new funding's secured, apparently a framework has been laid out by the team to ensure the Finn receives what is rightfully his.

"Worry not, he will be back for the final two grand prix thanks to Quantum Motorsports Ltd, which is buying 35 percent of the financially stricken Lotus team," reported a U.K. tabloid on Monday. "The cheque is finally in the post after months of suspense," it added.

With the arrival of Quantum Motorsports, Nico Hulkenberg, of Sauber is strongly rumoured to be the successor of the Iceman.