It has been a long time since Team Lotus has been trying to come up with a deal with Group Lotus but it seems that both of them just cannot come to peace with each other and therefore, they decided to part ways a couple of months ago.
After the departure of Group Lotus from the team, the team is facing some financial problems as well obviously but the team still vows to return once again in 2011.
Group Lotus switched its allegiance to Renault F1 later on as they believe that Tony Fernandes’ Team Lotus is damaging the image and reputation of the team which was made so iconic by Colin Chapman as they secured 7 titles during their time before departing
from the sport in 1993.
Team Lotus was sold to Tony Fernandes’ outfit earlier on and according to David Hunt, he believes that the team is now throwing this brand’s name down the drain and their image is being affected vitally.
Group Lotus has been struggling a lot to keep their own naming rights after they withdrew their licence from Team Lotus. However, Tony still insists that he has bought the rights from Hunt.
“Have the sponsors on Renault's car all been warned what they are in for and the damage that might occur to their brand through association of what is effectively a declaration of war by Proton?” Hunt told the Media.
Group Lotus announced that they will be the leading sponsor for Renault and as a result, the team changed its name to Lotus Renault GP officially. This has been going on for quite a long time and it seems that Proton has openly stated that it is more like
a “War” rather than a negotiation anyway.
“And given Renault still have a suspended sentence tied to them after bringing the sport into disrepute in 2008, are they doing so again by deliberately and wilfully confusing the public over the Lotus brand? I think it's silly, whatever angle you look at
it,” he added.
Lotus was unable to score a single point this season and it seems that Genii Capital Chairman Gerard Lopez owns 70% of Renault’s stake and helped Group Lotus to buy Renault’s remaining 30% stake.
“As far as we're concerned Bernie has been involved and obviously this happened with his blessing,” said Lopez.
Tags: