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Romain Grosjean's expected departure to Formula 1 newcomer Haas will be "a loss" to Lotus, according to its trackside operations chief Alan Permane.

The Frenchman's future has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, but ahead of a Haas driver announcement press conference on Tuesday, it has since emerged Grosjean will end his four-year stint with Lotus to join the American outfit in 2016.

Grosjean finished seventh in Japan, one place ahead of team-mate Pastor Maldonado, to give the team a boost on a weekend where its cash-flow problems and uncertain future were highlighted again with the late arrival of freight and being locked out of its hospitality unit.

"I couldn't have asked for more from him," Permane told AUTOSPORT. "He qualified well and raced perfectly.

"If he is going, which I am assuming he is, of course he will be a loss.

"He would be an asset to any team with his experience - and he's quick. So yeah, he will be a loss.

"He fits in very well, he's been here a long time so that has made things an awful lot easier - and that is not to be underestimated."

Maldonado has been confirmed as one of Lotus's drivers for next year, with reserve driver Jolyon Palmer understood to be one of those in the frame to replace Grosjean.

Meanwhile, Ferrari reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez is the favourite to be named alongside Grosjean at Haas.