Lotus hits back at Sochi lock-out ’rumours’

Lotus on Wednesday hit back at what it called "paddock rumours".

Earlier reports suggested that, just like at Suzuka, the troubled Enstone team was locked out of its hospitality area at Sochi ahead of the weekend’s Russian grand prix.

Indeed, paddock photos on Tuesday depicted a deserted garage and black and gold-clad staff sitting on the ground outside the apparently locked team building.

But, as it published on Twitter a couple of photos not only of an E23 monocoque in the pits but team staff inside the hospitality unit, Lotus insisted: "Thank you for all the sympathy, but we are in and we are busy eating!"