Tony Fernandes: Team's destiny in our hands now

The move, approved by the Formula 1 Commission last week, means that Fernandes' operation has use of a moniker and brand that it is completely in control of - so will be able to use it more effectively that it ever could Lotus.

Ahead of the final two races of the season, where Team Lotus is bidding to keep hold of its tenth place in the constructors' championship, Fernandes has said he is upbeat about all the elements of his operation coming together - which will also include an imminent switch to a factory in Leafield.

"Off track all the pieces are falling into place and we have now taken full control of our own destiny," he said. "I am absolutely certain that what we are putting in place gives us the very best platform to guarantee future success, both in our motor racing and broader automotive interests, and when you consider what we have already achieved, against the background of so many uncertainties, I think we can guarantee that we have a very bright future.

"We will be making full announcements about all the developments we are working on in due course, but for now the focus is on Abu Dhabi and Brazil and keeping up the momentum we have built up all season."

Team Lotus technical chief Mike Gascoyne believes that the outfit can target once again racing the established teams in the final two events - having battled with Williams, Sauber and Renault in recent grands prix.

"We are obviously having a very strong end to the season and it's good for the whole team to see us being able to fight the likes of Williams, Sauber and Renault when the lights go out on Sunday," he said.

"All season we have seen that when we get the tyres up to temperature we are in a position to push the cars ahead, and while we have not yet been able to do that in qualifying, we have given the race drivers a package that they can use on Sunday afternoons and give the fans something to get excited about."