F1: Renault's future hanging in the balance

Renault's future in Formula One remains uncertain, as the French company has yet to make a commitment regarding the purchase of Lotus.

The clock is ticking given that Lotus will be in court on Dec. 7, and faces the prospect of going into administration.

Renault has always made clear that the deal to purchase Lotus and turn it back into a works team depended in large part on the financial numbers, and specifically on how much FOM funding F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was willing to commit.

Ecclestone wants to have Renault back as a works player - acting as a savior of the Enstone team. He also prefers that Renault maintain its role as engine supplier to Red Bull. However, it's understood that he has changed his mind on the original offer to Renault.

Some sources have suggested that Ecclestone originally agreed to a figure on the basis that Renault remained with RBR, but this was before he discovered how much Red Bull was expected to pay in addition to the engine supply.

Jerome Stoll, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Renault Group, as well as President of Renault Sport, has met with Ecclestone in Abu Dhabi to discuss the situation.

"What I can say is that there will be no announcement regarding Renault's future short term, or middle term future over the weekend," said Renault's Cyril Abiteboul. "But, there will be an announcement very likely in the course of next week."