GPWizard F1 Forum
F1 News & Discussions => F1 Teams => Topic started by: John S on January 19, 2011, 11:23:31 AM
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Unsuprisingly Bahar seems to be back pedalling on his previous bullish position.
The legal battle over the rights surrounding the use of the Lotus name is due to be heard in the London High Court next week.
Team Lotus - owned by businessman Tony Fernandes - and Group Lotus, who recently teamed up with Renault to form 'Lotus-Renault GP', both believe the name belong to them. Fernandes claims he bought the rights to use the Team Lotus name in Formula One from previous owner David Hunt.
A summary judgment - a determination made by a court without a full trial - is scheduled for either Monday or Tuesday of next week.
However, Team Lotus believe the case will proceed to a full trial as the judge will find that all the facts are difficult to establish.
If that is the case, then it could lead to an out of court settlement, according to Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar.
"I don't think it will be a matter solved by English courts," Bahar said. "I think it will be solved before that. But if we have to go the legal way, we will, and our shareholders will support that."
Planetf1.com, Jan 18.