Boullier: Quantum deal progressing

Lotus boss Eric Boullier says progress is ongoing on the proposed investment deal with Quantum Motorsport, which has still to be completed ahead of this weekend's F1 season finale in Brazil.

Quantum chairman Mansoor Ijaz told reporters in Abu Dhabi that the deal 'had been completed' from his side and was just waiting to be completed.

However, the money from Quantum has yet to materialize leading to speculation that the deal could be at risk.

Speaking to the press however, Boullier said progress continued to be made and said he was hopeful things would come to conclusion in the near future.

"There is still some discussion ongoing, especially now between bankers," he said. "The process is not fully completed but I think part of it has been done, which is obviously a good sign for the weekend and we hope that everything is closed by early next week."

How quickly Lotus can close the deal is believed to be key in whether or not a deal can be struck with Nico Hulkenberg for 2014, with Pastor Maldonado also in the frame if the team requires additional financial backing.

Insisting he was 'still confident I will get one of the guys I want', Boullier also downplayed questions about the viability of Ijaz as an investor on the back of information that has appeared online in recent weeks.

"Fortunately we don't have to base our judgement only on Google, with all respect to Google for what they are doing," he said. "To answer the question, yes, we have very serious proof of funds and good compliance of what is Quantum Motorsport."