Romain Grosjean has admitted he hopes to keep his Lotus seat in 2013.
Despite a few too many incidents, the Swiss-born rookie Frenchman has been a revelation of this season, especially in light of his mediocre and abortive 2009 debut.
Lotus boss Eric Boullier and owner Gerard Lopez have indicated they are happy with both Grosjean, 26, and the team’s other new driver Kimi Raikkonen.
Still, Grosjean is hoping he definitely stays in 2013.
"Hopefully, if all goes well, I will be with the team next season," he is quoted as saying.
"This will allow me to build up this year and compete in 2013 on a better footing," added Grosjean, who has been on the podium twice this year but failed to finish five of the 10 races so far.
He said: "We already know what has worked and what has not, so this will give us more time to do things perfectly.
"I hope I will be retained. If I continue in this way, I think I have a good chance."
Total’s contract with the Enstone based team expires at the end of the season.