Lotus will make a decision on its 2014 driver line-up “shortly” after losing Kimi Raikkonen to Ferrari earlier this week.

Raikkonen’s decision leaves Lotus with at least one vacant seat. Romain Grosjean, who is out of contract at the end of the season is now more likely to stay with Lotus to provide some stability.

Team principal, Eric Boullier says he is already talking to a number of drivers and should be in a position to announce Raikkonen’s replacement shortly, although he says that Lotus has no reason to hurry.

“We are currently in discussion with a few people and will make a decision shortly,” Boullier told the official Lotus F1 Team’s website.

“We are in the privileged position of being the most desirable team on the grid with a seat available, so we are therefore in no rush to announce anyone without establishing what will be the best for our team and the future.”

Boullier added that he hoped Raikkonen could end his time with Lotus on a high.

“We still have seven races together and our aim is to provide both him and Romain with the best machinery possible. There’s still a tough fight out there and we’re still pushing to improve on last season again with P3 in the constructors’ championship.”

Photo by Lotus F1 Team