Team Lotus Mild Seven 1994?

Can anyone help?

I have read an interview with Peter Collins stating that Team Lotus were close to having Mild Seven as their sponsor for the 1994 season. Obviously this hinged as much upon Guy Edwards as it did retaining Johnny Herbert's services.

How close were Team Lotus to having Mild Seven cars in 1994? Sadly they went on to sponsor that Michael Mchumacher fella and the Benetton team - Honestly, what did they ever achieve? ;)

http://trackpass.tripod.com/id48.html

Thanks very interesting interview I personally was thrilled when Johnny put the car 4th on the grid at Monza and was aghast when Irvine missed his braking point and took him off. Being cynical I think Lotus not being around may have helped Jordan in their quest for survival as they must have been in competition for the same sponsors and engines? I think Eddie did alot more damage to Lotus that day than just breaking there car...............