Renault has announced its intention to take over the cash-strapped Lotus Formula One team.
Lotus' problems came to a head at the Japanese Grand Prix, with members of the team seeking refuge elsewhere at the track and the drivers dining at rival teams.
Around 60 Lotus mechanics were fed in the exclusive Paddock Club, an area which is usually reserved for VIPs, sponsors and guests.
A statement from Renault read: "Renault Group and Gravity Motorsports S.a.r.l., an affiliate of Genii Capital SA, are pleased to announce the signature of a Letter of Intent regarding the potential acquisition by Renault of a controlling stake in Lotus F1 Team Ltd.
"The signature of this Letter of Intent marks Renault's first step towards the project of a Renault Formula 1 team from the 2016 racing season, thereby extending 38 years of commitment of the brand to world's premier motorsport championship series."
The French car manufacturer added: "Renault Group and Gravity will work together in the coming weeks to eventually turn this initial undertaking into a definitive transaction, provided all terms and conditions are met between them and other interested parties."
Meanwhile, the Oxfordshire-based team have won another breathing space in insolvency proceedings brought against them by the taxman.
Mr Justice Birss at London's High Court granted a 10-week adjournment on Monday after hearing a loan agreement had been finalised which meant that UK Revenue & Customs would receive £2.7m this week.
HMRC had applied to put Lotus into administration over unpaid bills relating to PAYE (income tax and national insurance).
