Romain Grosjean has been hit with a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming German Grand Prix after his team discovered a problem with his gearbox post last weekend’s race at Silverstone.
After charging from the back of the field to finish sixth, Grosjean encountered an issue with his gearbox on the last lap, which would have forced him out of the race if it had struck earlier in the race.
Analysis of the gearbox by Lotus has shown that it will need replacing, which means he will face a grid drop in Hockenheim.
Lotus technical director James Allison said: "It was a gearbox problem and we are very fortunate that Romain didn't have the problem earlier in the race.
"Unfortunately for Romain it means he'll take a five place grid penalty at Hockenheim, but he certainly showed at Silverstone that dropping down the order won't stop him challenging at the sharp end."
Although Lotus has shown good speed in races, the grid penalty will be a big blow because the team has often found its chances on Sunday compromised by poor qualifying performances.
Before news of his penalty, Grosjean himself reckoned that the team will only realistically have a shot at victory if it can qualify on the first two rows.
"We need to put everything together," he said. "We've been saying that for a while now, but I'm sure it's going to come. If we can manage a good qualifying - in the front two rows - then I'm sure we can get the win."