Lotus Naming Row to End on March 21

The legal battle between Team Lotus and Group Lotus regarding the right to use the name “Lotus” in Formula 1 will likely find an early settlement this year. Although it was initially projected that a definitive end (legally speaking) to this matter would happen somewhere in the autumn of 2011, a High Court judge decided yesterday, in London, that a quick trial would be set to resolve all matters on March 21st.

During yesterday's hearing, Mr Justice Peter Smith rejected Group Lotus' bid for a summary judgement from the get go – which would have settled things in favor of the British carmaker before the trial even started – letting the two parties know that he wants a quick resolution to the naming row.

Needless to say, Tony Fernandes' team was delighted with the decision, as they are now able to start off the 2011 campaign with the Team Lotus name. In addition, according to some legal experts, the court's decision to reject Group Lotus bid for a summary judgement may be considered a first win for Team Lotus.

However, the action itself doesn't mean that Team Lotus will win the trial on March 21st – scheduled between the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix and the Australian Grand Prix – but only that they are now in a better position from a legal standpoint, being now offered the chance to present their case at the High Court.

“Team Lotus is delighted that we were successful at the Summary Judgment Application hearing today and that the Judge threw out Group Lotus' application even before hearing the arguments of the barristers on either side,” said a statement from Team Lotus.

“Although this decision was never in doubt, it means that we start the 2011 season under the Team Lotus name. (...) We remain confident that we will succeed at the full trial and we can now focus on the challenges ahead in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship.”