Renault name change looming admits Boullier
Global Motorsport Media
Team boss Eric Boullier has confirmed that Renault plans to change its name for the 2012 season.
With there currently being a team called Team Lotus competing against Group Lotus-sponsored Renault, the parties have been seeking a solution.
It appears the plans are for Team Lotus to adopt the name of owner Tony Fernandes' carmaker Caterham for next season, with Renault becoming the sole Lotus.
But name changes are not encouraged in F1, meaning that the proposal will need to be approved by the sport's F1 Commission.
It is believed some teams, like Sauber who were called BMW-Sauber long after the German marque's withdrawal, expressed caution when asked to approve the Lotus solution.
"Name changes aren't something that should be encouraged," agreed FOTA chairman Martin Whitmarsh.
"But if you've got two Lotus names in Formula One it strikes me that isn't desirable, it's not what people really need or want in the sport," the McLaren boss told Reuters.
It's just two team name changes at the same time
Boullier is confident the matter will be resolved by the time of the World Motor Sport Council's December meeting.
"It's just two team name changes at the same time and some people want to make sure it's done with the right process and the right purpose. That's it, nothing else," he said.
Share Or Save This Story
F1's power vacuum: are lunatics running the asylum?
Malaysian GP: Friday press conference
McLaren should focus on track, not court - Horner
On this day: Ayrton Senna beats Nigel Mansell to victory by 0.01s
Ranked! The legendary Jim Clark’s top 10 drives
As Renault says farewell to F1, 21 key moments in its history
Ford beats Corvette in last-lap IMSA GTD Pro fight at Indianapolis
Jack Aitken extends IMSA lead to 147 points after Indy runner-up
Sheldon van der Linde passes Earl Bamber late to win IMSA Indianapolis thriller
Lando Norris predicted to overtake George Russell in 2026 F1 standings
Great debate: Which circuit should host the F1 2026 finale if the calendar has to change?
Italy’s next F1 world champion?
What's behind the talks between the FIA president and Fernando Alonso over ADUO?
Fernando Alonso is right to sound the alarm about F1 - but history seems to be repeating itself
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments