F1: Lotus naming battle ends in dead heat

The decision is clear: Team Lotus is fully entitled to be called "Team Lotus." And Group Lotus is fully entitled to put "Lotus" on its racing cars. But Team Lotus cannot call itself "Lotus" and Lotus cannot call itself "Team Lotus."

More, Lotus is entitled to use the black and gold livery that Team Lotus (as then constituted) used in its glory years.

But while the legal position is cleared up (although Group Lotus says it is not clear and intends to appeal), the decision means that what the cars are called on the track and in official documentation is left to the FIA.

Team Lotus is a manufacturer and is therefore fully entitled to call itself that. "Lotus Renault" - as it says on the uniforms - is not. Renault is the manufacturer and Lotus (as in Group) is a sponsor, albeit the so-called "Title Sponsor."

Therefore, for official entry purposes, there is only one Lotus in F1 - and it's Team Lotus. F1's other car is a Renault.