We reported earlier that Lotus team boss Tony Fernandes had announced by his Twitter account that he was to announce the drivers he had signed for the team’s debut season on Monday.

However, it seems he may as well call off the announcement as according to an AP source Jarno Trulli has been signed for the team, with strong rumours linking Lucas di Grassi with the new Malaysian-backed team. di Grassi has confirmed earlier this week that he will be in F1 next season with one of the four new teams.

A person familiar with Jarno Trulli told The Associated Press that then 35-year-old Italian has signed for the team.

Trulli was left without a drive when Toyota left F1 at the end of the 2009 season. He is a veteran of 219 races, collecting 246.5 career points but just one win since his first race in 1997. He has driven for Jordan, Renault and Toyota.