Lotus Racing vows to end war of words

The team owned by Tony Fernandes has been embroiled in a war of words with Group Lotus/Proton over the use of the Team Lotus name in Formula 1 from next year.

Fernandes's team reckons it has the rights to use it, while Group Lotus claims the Malaysian squad is not entitled to do so.

Lotus Racing said on Thursday that deputy team principal Dato' Kamarudin Meranun met with Proton Adviser Tun Dr Mahathir to discuss the matter.

And while the team insisted it believes it is "acting within its own rights", Lotus Racing said it will not be making any further comments from now on.

"In a bid to alleviate the public confusion surrounding the ongoing matter between Lotus Racing and Proton/Group Lotus, Lotus Racing shareholder and Deputy Team Principal Dato' Kamarudin Meranun recently had the opportunity to meet Proton Adviser Tun Dr Mahathir," said Lotus Racing in a statement.

"The meeting was to discuss the matter in person and agree a future course of action for Lotus Racing.

"Lotus Racing believes it is acting within its own rights, and as a result of this meeting, the team will now refrain from making any further comments on the matter. This action is upon advice from Tun Dr Mahathir, and it is out of our respect for him that we will act upon his wishes as he has supported us since our inception, and his backing has been invaluable in our growth.

"We are very grateful for having had the opportunity to put forth our case and have complete trust that a fair review will be made, and a decision on the matter will be announced in due course."