Quote:
Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith
This is the BBC's take on it:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/form...e/13572332.stm
However there seems to be a contradiction; according to the BBC article,
"Team Lotus were allowed to continue running under that name while Group Lotus will keep the black and gold livery, but cannot use the famous badge in F1."
but according to the Judgement Summary on Group Lotus's website,
"Group Lotus has goodwill associated with the name “Lotus” in Formula 1 and is free to compete in the sport under that name using the Lotus roundel"
Somewhat confusing. |
There are two distinct badges, a logo for Cars, the badge for Team, similiarily designed but distinctive.
Group/Cars are hurt but not completely out. They can use Lotus sponsorship to advertise their cars on the Renault but they'll never be the iconic "Team Lotus" nor can they use Team's heritage unless there are buyouts or whatever.
Although far from an ideal position Team is in the better position. They can call themselves Team Lotus and their F1 chasis is a Lotus. They can also have the option to call themselves Caterham Team Lotus.
I'm less sure about this but they may even have the option to market certain Caterham models as Caterham Team Lotus in the same way that Renault labeled certain Renault Clio's models with the brand Williams.
I presume there will be a buy-out of Group some time in the future. Their business model is very unsound and it depends how much taxmoney the Malaysians are willing to sink into the Group Lotus WorldWide Racing program.