Lotus Cars Ltd to Take Legal Actions against "Team Lotus"

Following the Brabham Grand Prix situation, in which the Brabham family threatened to sue the team for using the name of 3-time Formula One champion Jack Brabham, Team Lotus is also in danger of facing legal actions because of their designation. As announced by Lotus Cars Limited on Wednesday, via a press release, the British manufacturer is in no way connected to the potential F1 entry.

British F3 outfit Litespeed last week announced that they have managed to get permission to use the name “Team Lotus” from rights holder David Hunt, brother of former F1 driver James. Hunt bought the defunct Team Lotus back in 1994, but it appears this is not the only organization related to the company initially started by Colin Chapman back in 1952.

Carmaker Lotus Cars Limited were also established on the foundation set by Chapman, and yesterday announced they will make all the legal steps in order for the “Lotus” name not to be associated with the aforementioned entry.

“Group Lotus PLC and its subsidiary Lotus Cars Limited, the manufacturer of the iconic Lotus Elise and global high technology engineering consultancy, are not connected or affiliated to, nor in any other way associated with the newly announced "Team Lotus" that has submitted an entry for the 2010 Formula 1 championship. Group Lotus PLC will take all necessary steps to protect its name, reputation and brand image,” said the statement.

In other news about F1 entries next season, it seems Austrian outfit Superfund – controlled by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz – will not be part of next year's roster due to an ongoing 4 million euros debt, related to motorsport activities. The FIA will make the official entry list for 2010 season public on Friday.