Team Lotus will stick with the Green and Yellow livery
Team Lotus and Group Lotus have been battling against each other since the past couple of weeks to claim the rights for the name “Lotus”. At first, it seemed that both of them were trying to negotiate and come up with a reasonable deal but with due time,
it was revealed that it is more like a “war” rather than negotiation.
Team Lotus revealed a couple of weeks earlier that they will change their livery to the classic black and gold in 2011 just like the team’s previous livery before their departure from the sport in 1993. However, 'Group Lotus' revealed some time ago that
they have the rights for the name and Team Lotus is a “disgrace to this legendary name”.
But Team Lotus claims that they bought the rights from Group Lotus and they have the right to keep Lotus in their name in 2011. This battle spiced up even more after the recent interviews and media reports. Group Lotus revealed earlier that they bought 25%
of RenaultF1 team’s shares and they are now one of the leading shareholders and sponsors of the team.
Therefore, a couple of days ago, Renault revealed that they have officially changed their name to Lotus Renault GP for the 2011 Formula 1 season. As a result, there will be two Lotus teams on the grid similarly like 2 Red Bulls and Mercedes.
Since Gerard Lopez revealed that 'Group Lotus' has become a part of Renault, stewards feared that the 2011 grid will have 4 teams with the same gold and black colour scheme, so 'Team Lotus' decided to step down and keep it’s green and yellow livery similar
to the one they used in 2010.
Lotus’s chief Tony Fernandes stated that it would be “ridiculous” if they use the same colour scheme as Lotus Renault, so the team will keep its recognition unique and use the same colour scheme.
“I have no problem that there will be two Lotuses on the grid. But I do think it would be ludicrous if we are both black and gold, and I can inform you that we will be changing our plans for the colour scheme,” he said.
However, Tony believes that the team will improve vitally in terms of pace in 2011 season and the team might surprise the audience with its performance next season.
“And after yesterday's announcement by the FIA about the new engine plans for 2013, which means F1 is going green - so what better colour to be than green? So, we have been testing our fans' reactions and many have come back to us to say we should stay green
and yellow,” said Tony.
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