The FOTA in favor of the Team Lotus name change
The Team Lotus, which hopes to change its name next year to end the duplication of the Lotus name in Formula 1 with Lotus Renault Grand Prix, should be able to do so. Indeed, the other teams - grouped within the FOTA - are in favor of this name change.
A Formula 1 team can change its name, but the main problem is financial because in case of a name change, the team loses the acquired television rights. So if Team Lotus changes its name in 2012, it could lose the money corresponding to its ranking in the Constructors’ Championship this season.
Team Lotus could, however, change its name and retain the television rights money; for this, it needs the support of 18 out of the 26 members of the Formula 1 Commission—which is composed, among others, of the teams, the FIA President Jean Todt, the commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, some promoters, and engine manufacturers. And it seems promising because the other teams—except for HRT, which is no longer part of FOTA—should vote in favor of this name change. It is highly likely that Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, and especially Renault will not oppose this name change, as the presence of Team Lotus and Lotus Renault has created some confusion.
With the acquisition of Caterham several weeks ago, it is very likely that the name of the British manufacturer will be included in the future official name of the Malaysian team, led by Tony Fernandes. If a name change occurs, it should be confirmed in the coming weeks if an official request is submitted to the Formula 1 Commission. And the confirmation could happen at the end of November, when the FIA is expected to release the first list of teams participating in the 2012 season.
