New Team Lotus Purchase - Update

Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes has confirmed that he has no immediate plans to rename the Formula One team, following their acquisition of Caterham Cars.

However, Team Lotus' GP2 outfit - currently team AirAsia - is expected to be renamed Caterham, with AirAsia the title sponsor.

The deal does, however, provide Fernandes and co with a suitable option, should they lose the current court case they are embroiled in (against Group Lotus)  and are forced to rename the team.
Fernandes has denied the Caterham deal was made because he "expected" to lose the case.

For more on this story, visit www.autosport.com

New Team Lotus Purchase - Confirmed

As expected, Team Lotus confirmed today that they have indeed purchased Caterham Cars.

Caterham, who produce the 'Seven' track / road car as designed by Lotus, recently announced a new model was to be released - the SP/300.R, but the company have found it difficult to market their vehicles to the global market with limited funds.

This deal will presumably see the Caterham logo given a prominent position on the Team Lotus F1 car, as currently the most prominent logo is that of EQ8, an energy drink company also owned by the Team Lotus group.

For more on this story, visit www.teamlotus.co.uk
Or to learn more about Caterham Cars, visit www.caterham.co.uk

Could Team Lotus Be Rebranded?

Team Lotus have recently released details of an "incredibly exciting announcement" which will be revealed to the World during a straight-line aero test day in Duxford next week.

Rumours have started to spread that this announcement relates to the team buying the sports car maufacturer Caterham.

Caterham have strong links to the Lotus brand, originally distributing the cars, and later becoming the sole producer of the famous Seven road / track car.

Formula One journalist Joe Saward confirms in his blog that he has checked Companies House, and sure enough "Kamarudin Meranun and Anthony Francis Fernandes were appointed directors of Caterham Cars Group Ltd and Caterham Cars Ltd a little more than a week ago". (Visit http://joesaward.wordpress.com for full story).

This purchase could well be an opportunity for Team Lotus to 'get one over' on Group Lotus, by buying a company with close ties to Lotus Cars.

Alternatively, with a high profile legal battle currently taking place in the British courts regarding the naming rights of Team Lotus (separate story, click here), could this possibly be a potential new name for the team, now entering their second season in the sport?

When the announcement has been made by the team, you can be sure that we will let you know the outcome!

With thanks to toomuchracing.com for alerting us to this story.