The company Lotus does not wish to enter Formula 1!

Lotus Group and its subsidiary Lotus Cars Limited oppose the recent announcement of the entry of ‘Team Lotus’ into Formula 1. The team is in any case in the running to participate in the 2010 championship. The company stated that it is ready to take measures to protect the brand.

The British Formula 3 team Litespeed, founded by former Lotus employees Nino Judge and Steve Kenchington, announced last week that it intends to enter F1 next year under the Lotus banner.

The permission to use the Lotus name has apparently been granted by the rights holder David Hunt; however, the Lotus company is disputing this operation and explains it in a statement:

« Lotus Group and its subsidiary Lotus Cars Limited, manufacturer of the legendary Lotus Elise, are not concerned or affiliated, directly or indirectly, with the arrival in F1 of ‘Team Lotus’ which has submitted its candidacy for the 2010 championship. »

« Lotus Group will take all necessary measures to protect its name, reputation, and brand image. »

The news follows a similar statement issued by the Brabham family last week, indicating their intention to challenge Formtech’s plans to use this name to enter F1.

These two cases cast doubts on the ability of these new teams to participate in a Formula 1 championship. Even before their arrival on the starting grids and after submitting their application, the problems are already significant…