New war of words in Lotus row - The Press Association

(UKPA) – 2 hours ago

The two factions representing Lotus have again become embroiled in a war of words following Monday's trial date announcement.

At a summary judgment hearing in the High Court, Group Lotus and 1Malaysia Racing Team, otherwise known as Team Lotus, were told that unless they could settle their differences out of court, the dispute would go to full trial on March 21. Team Lotus were the first to respond to the decision of Mr Justice Peter Smith, declaring themselves "delighted" in being successful at the hearing.

In a statement they added they were further encouraged that the judge "threw out Group Lotus' application even before hearing the arguments of the barristers on either side". That has prompted a sharp retort from Group Lotus and Proton, the Malaysian car manufacturing giant who run the English sportscar company.

In their own statement they remark that "it is completely incorrect and a misrepresentation of the judge's decision suggesting that Group Lotus' application was 'thrown out'".

They claim no decision was made on their application, with the judge proposing that "the better procedural route was to order a speedy trial of all the issues in dispute in the case".

They further added that "1MRT initially resisted the judge's approach to resolve all matters quickly and before the start of the Formula One season".

As can be expected, both parties firmly believe they will triumph when the matter goes to court, seemingly suggesting there is unlikely to be any private resolution before then.

The Team Lotus statement added: "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."

Group Lotus are as equally ebullient, stating: "We are confident that at the trial Group Lotus will succeed in preventing 1MRT, Mr Fernandes (Team Lotus owner Tony) and his companies, from using the Lotus name in Formula One once and for all."

The issue is on two fronts, with 1Malaysia claiming Group Lotus illegally terminated a five-year licensing deal for them to run as Lotus Racing, the name under which they competed in F1 last year. 1Malaysia also insist they can legally run under the Team Lotus name this season having bought the rights from former owner David Hunt, brother of 1976 world champion James.

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