17/06/2011
NEWS STORY
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Group Lotus CEO, Dany Bahar, has ruled out any change to the name or livery of the Lotus Renault GP team before 2013.
With Renault having sold its remaining stake in the team to Genii Capital last year, the French manufacturer's only real involvement with the British outfit now is as its engine supplier - yet the team is still officially entered as Renault F1.
Group Lotus, which fought a bitter legal case with Tony Fernandes Team Lotus over the naming rights for Lotus, last year agreed a title sponsorship deal with the Genii Capital owned team that will last until the end of 2017 and should see the Malaysian car giant become co-owner of the team.
Speaking in London, Bahar told reporters: "We enjoy a very good relationship with our partners Genii, we are very much involved in their business, we are happy with how it's run and as things are run properly and are well managed there is no reason for us to do any move. We are absolutely fine as it is.
"If we decide to go for the long term then a renaming would be an issue," he continued, referring to co-ownership of the team. "But at the moment it's out of the question and it's not something we are pursuing. Out of the question until 2013."
In the High Court last month, it was ruled that Team Lotus can continue as Team Lotus while only Group Lotus can compete as Lotus. However, Group Lotus is to appeal the ruling.
The judge also ruled that Lotus Renault GP can continue running with its black and gold livery, an iconic scheme clearly intended to reflect the glory days of Colin Chapman's out.
"I think you need consistency," said Bahar. "We like the livery in the black and gold, we use it in many road car limited editions on our side. "It's a nice livery that is perceived well by the people, especially on the road car side, so I see no reason why we should change it."
Although the team has slipped back a little in recent races, Bahar insists that Group Lotus is happy with the relationship. "Although the first two results made us a bit hungry for more success, the bottom line is that we have to be very happy with what the team has achieved," he said.
"The partnership is running very well and I hope it continues to be like that," he added. "It's about the branding of Lotus, about technology transfer. The naming issue is there, unfortunately, but it doesn't really impact."