The son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman says he is backing the Renault F1 team in their bid to use the sportscar manufacturer's name.
Son of founder says he will stay loyal to Group Lotus as naming row rumbles on
The son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman says he is backing the Renault F1 team in their bid to use the sportscar manufacturer's name.
Confusion has reigned since early last month when Group Lotus, which is owned by Malaysian state-owned car giant Proton, announced a sponsorship and equity agreement with Renault F1 that will see their cars branded as Lotus Renaults.
However, the team cannot officially change their name owing to the presence of Team Lotus, who made their debut last season when known as Lotus Racing.
The Lotus name returned to F1 in 2010 after an absence of 16 years - the new team obtaining a licensing agreement from Group Lotus.
However, Proton then withdrew the licence and its support for the team founded by Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes before forging a new deal with Renault F1.
Clive Chapman remains friends with Fernandes, but as far as he is concerned, loyalty to Group Lotus means he must switch his support.
"We've always been loyal to Hethel," Chapman said, referring to the Norfolk home of the Group Lotus factory.
"There are a lot of people working there who used to work with my father.
"Now new guys have arrived and injected this extraordinary amount of enthusiasm, energy and excitement because maybe Lotus had gone a bit dormant in some ways.
"Proton has stumped up the most incredible investment to support the company, so we're so delighted that's happened.
"We've been working together for years and years, but it hasn't really had much profile. It has been fairly low - until now."
Unclear
Chapman admitted that the reasons for the falling out between Group Lotus/Proton and Fernandes' team remain unclear to him.
"We got on very well with Tony Fernandes and everyone at Hingham. They did a great job," he said, speaking at the Autosport International Show at Birmingham's NEC.
"Then for reasons I don't understand the licence to use the Lotus name was terminated, and that was that.
"So we're just carrying on as we always have done, which is to support whatever Hethel is doing.
"I don't really fully understand Tony's circumstances. He is a very nice guy, and we do admire what they have achieved at Hingham, but once the licence stopped...
"I'm an engineer and a bit of a black and white merchant, so it was quite simple from my point of view and that of my family, and we will be cheering on the Lotus Renault."
Chapman is convinced his actions would have the full backing of his legendary father if he were alive today.
"My father was extremely pragmatic and he would always make best use of resources and try and find the most efficient way of doing something," Chapman added.
"I'm sure if he was broaching the subject of getting back into F1, then this kind of approach would make complete sense to him, to hook up with an established team and gradually form a partnership.
"So the fact it has a Renault badge on the car doesn't give me a problem at all.
"I must admit my mum (Colin's widow Hazel) doesn't quite get it. She can see it's called a Renault, but I've told her that's not really the issue.
"The issue is that Lotus the car company is getting back into F1, and she fully supports whatever is happening at Hethel."
