RE: Team Lotus And Renault F1 Renamed

[woof]

Dear Mr Tony - would you like to buy my www.caterhamracing.com domain which now appears No1 on google searches for Caterham F1

[DE15 CAT]

I'm happy, the many arguments about who is the real Lotus (Colin Chapman)in modern form, will never end. I just think Lotus 7 road cars was Colin's fund raiser to pay for F1. Renault whenever bought Lotus road cars for marketing purposes. Caterham cars built Lotus 7 under licence, then bought that division, with generous terms allowed by Chapman over payment, to form Caterham 7, running race series for years while keeping the road going arm healthy & popular. IMO. years later Renault licence Team Lotus name quite cynically to Tony Fernandes, (who I think is a genuine Race fan) for a year 'various sub options in contract to extend(but not allowed)'. Let Fernandes test the F1 water, then try to steal goodwill and thunder, with 'we are the real Lotus'routine. So my opinion Caterham are the real Lotus descendent, Fernandes bought into Caterham, Clive Chapman Colin's son gave the famous cap in a presentation frame entitled 'In case of a win break glass' to Fernandes. Even they are not front runners (Brits support the underdog). LONG LIVE CATERHAM F1.

[peter450]

Mermaid said:

patmahe said:

...I think Renault (Lotus) did themselves no favours with this pathetic posturing excercise.

They won the argument , but they lost people's affection IMO.

I dont get these arguments at all

They wanted there name to be on there F1 cars, and tried to esnure that via a court action, whats so unreasonable here?

[anonymous-user]

I'm actually quite sad to see Renault as a chassis manufacturer leave the sport, even though I know they've long been separate from Renault itself, the name will now only appear as an engine supplier.

I'm happy about Caterham though, I hope their sales increase and the cost of the cars come down

[thewheelman]

Caterham & Lotus names now both tarnished & devalued. F1 is fast becoming a joke.

[PaulG40]

I don't think it's become a joke at all but certainly glad the in-fighting is more or less over and they can just concentrate on the actually job in hand - racing!

[thewheelman]

PaulG40 said:

I don't think it's become a joke at all but certainly glad the in-fighting is more or less over and they can just concentrate on the actually job in hand - racing!

Racing would be a nice change for these guys. The entire naming thing has really devalued the Lotus name in F1 in my opinion.

Also, if this is the Tony Fernandes that owns QPR, then it's really devalued

Edited by thewheelman on Thursday 3rd November 22:04

[peter450]

I dont see how, F1 is a global sport, most people have not even heard of caterham, and thats just in this country

Lotus are hardly a world known brand either, being in F1 will certainly do them no harm, and most people are hardly concerned with a few name changes on non front running teams

It will take time for both brands, to build up, but being in F1 for a few years will not hurt thats for sure

[jeremyc]

Thank goodness that is resolved.

I suspect it is even confusing for F1 drivers: one of them at the Indian Grand Prix referred to them as "Green Lotuses", presumably as opposed to the "Black Lotuses".

[ArosaMike]

Woohoo. I race for an F1 team!

[Irish]

For those turning their noses up a Caterham in F1 may I point out that a Lotus 7 (Caterham) raced in the 1962 South African GP.

Details and pic here: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/caterham...

As for Lotus. Selling no cars. Ditching the elise. Running up huge costs. It will all end in tears. Brand over substance.

[RenesisEvo]

Riggers said:

Oh, and the Virgin team will now officially run Marussia chassis. But you probably don't really care all that much about that...

I care!

(Actually it's been a long time coming and makes no real difference)

[Ipelm]

[quote=Irish]For those turning their noses up a Caterham in F1 may I point out that a Lotus 7 (Caterham) raced in the 1962 South African GP.


Thats makes it all right then does it? Now thats the triumph of brand over substance

[mybrainhurts]

Ekona said:

Caterham in F1 does still seem a bit weird, mind.

True...

Will we see Virgin renamed Rotherham...?

[Fire99]

Well now if this fuss is settled, any chance of some half decent cars on the grid?

[Kitchski]

ewenm said:

Caterham in F1 - brilliant!

That was my first reaction!

[Oddball RS]

Stuff it bring back Toleman!

[E-B]

"And whatever the names of the cars lining up on the grid in 2012, at least we won't have two entirely separate teams with Lotus badges and Renault engines..."

Not unlike Redbull and Torro Rosso then?

[[AJ]]

E-B said:

"And whatever the names of the cars lining up on the grid in 2012, at least we won't have two entirely separate teams with Lotus badges and Renault engines..."

Not unlike Redbull and Torro Rosso then?

Almost, although Torro Rosso run Ferrari engines.

[georgetuk]

Sgt^Roc said:

Call them what there like they will still be slow...

Yes maybe but most improved of the new starters which is a better place to be.

And look at Mercedes, took over a championship team and even a couple of years later not exactly looking like doing it again. Its not all that easy!