Lotus has issued a statement criticising the organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix for publishing quotes attributed to the team.

14122 - Lotus unhappy with Bahrain organisers

A press release from the chairman of the race insisted that there were "huge misconceptions about the current situation" in Bahrain, and quoted a number of prominent visitors as showing support for the race. Among these were quotes from two Lotus team members, but Lotus has now hit back saying such comments were completely confidential.

"Earlier today (Tuesday), the Bahrain International Circuit issued a press release attributing quotes to our team showing support for the Bahrain GP," a Lotus statement read. "These quotes were part of a full internal and confidential working document, that was also sent on a confidential basis to all F1 team managers last week."

The statement also distanced Lotus from having the ability to make any decision on the race, laying full responsibility at the door of the FIA.

"Lotus F1 Team is one of 12 contestants of the Formula 1 World Championship and we would never try to substitute ourselves for the FIA, which is the only party entitled to determine if a Grand Prix should go ahead or not, and we endorse the FOTA statement that was issued earlier to this effect."