Chapman family backs Group Lotus http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88759 The family of Colin Chapman has thrown its support behind Group Lotus's ambitions with the Renault team, after expressing its view that it would prefer the Team Lotus name not to return to Formula 1. With no end in sight to the naming row that will see the Group Lotus-sponsored Renault team going up against Team Lotus in F1 next year, Lotus founder Colin Chapman's son Clive has now made his views clear for the first time. In a statement issued on Thursday on behalf of the Chapman family by Clive, who is managing director of Classic Team Lotus, he says he is fully behind the efforts of Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar. And although previously he gave his blessing to the efforts of Lotus Racing when it had a deal in place with Group Lotus to use the name, he claims the situation is different now that the outfits licencing deal with the road car company has ended. "The Chapman Family is impressed by the exciting developments underway at Group Lotus, and it is very grateful to Proton for the significant investment that is being made, to secure a strong future for the excellent workforce at the Hethel factory," stated Chapman. "In 2010 the Chapman Family and Classic Team Lotus have been pleased to support Group Lotus in many ways. In consultation with Proton, this included supporting the use of the Lotus name in Formula 1, which was licensed by Group Lotus. "The Chapman Family was impressed by the achievements of Lotus Racing as a new team, and appreciated its respect for Team Lotus history. However, then its license to use the Lotus name was terminated and things changed." Tony Fernandes operation is taking Group Lotus to court over the termination of its licencing deal. While that matter is ongoing, the outfit purchased the Team Lotus name from its owner David Hunt in a deal agreed in September so it could rebrand the outfit. The Team Lotus name is the moniker that Colin Chapmans F1 team originally ran under, and his son says the family would like its name not to be used in F1 again. "During 2010, the Chapman Family, as and when appropriate, made it clear to those involved that it would prefer that the Team Lotus name should not be used in Formula 1. Indeed, assurances to this effect were received," he said. "The Team Lotus identity represents the motor racing legacy of Colin Chapman, and this was preserved by the Chapman Family and invested within Classic Team Lotus. The association by Group Lotus with Team Lotus history is much appreciated and entirely appropriate, especially as it is in keeping with how things were in Colin Chapmans time. "The Chapman Family is looking forward to continuing to give its support to Group Lotus, which is the ongoing Lotus entity created by Colin and Hazel Chapman. After all, the Lotus marque is the responsibility of Group Lotus, and Hethel is the home of Lotus."
Wonder if money changed hands . The early stages of a lost cause. With clueless in charge, Proton will attempt to sell off Lotus for whatever they can get within two years, never mind the F1 team..
I'am looking on the bright side it will all get sorted, one way or another, when all the posturing and gesturing dies down. Happy Christmas Is..
Likewise Steve, it has been a great pleasure to exchange posts with you and watch your wonderful banter with Viz... Hope you're having a wonderful Christmas!
Who cares, really. Either option is just a marketing ploy disguised as an F1 team with the Lotus name - both with absolutely no link to the history of Lotus in F1. This whole saga is becoming a bit of a joke, though a big deal in England apparently. Oh, and Merry Christamas to all!
The Great Colin Chapman - a day of Remembering RIP 12-16-82 The Team Lotus founder died on this day 35 years ago 72 #F1 wins as Lotus team boss 7 Constructors' titles 6 Drivers' titles with Jim Clark, Monza 1963 Image Unavailable, Please Login with his toys Image Unavailable, Please Login (the man and his F1 cars circa 1970's) http://www.inopian.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Colin-Chapman-by-Lotus.jpg Lotus 49 Image Unavailable, Please Login Lotus 49...flying Image Unavailable, Please Login
Men like this...true leaders of their own teams...this is what is missing from modern F1. It's all corporate now...moneyed drivers buying their seats...cars designed by the FIA and politicians instead of by the engineers. I'd rather see F1 go back to nine races a year (keep the costs down) and get rid of all the high tech hype. Free choice of engines and as many as you can afford to blow up, run whatever tires you want from any that are made, 5 pts for 1st, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for 4th and 1 for 5th...that it...race like hell and let the best man and car win.
This is Actual Video of the discussion going on between Renault and the Chapman family on Lotus The French are having some difficulty in communicating with the family.
I remember meeting Colin Chapman sever times at Watkins Glen, we used to go up on Thursdays and then have dinner at the Glen Motorcourt restaurant, the Franchese family's place. Chapmans table was next to ours year in year out. He signed an autograph for me once in a program and said "I've a little chap like you back home" - at least that is what my Mom says he said. he was an innovative guy, no question. conflicted by being the best and keeping it all on the road. the documentary the "Secret life of Colin Chapman" is illuminating to say the least. but regardless of what he may have done that was not legal, he was a true pioneer that does not get enough credit. Its sad to see Lotus be a 2nd class marque. Having had a couple of Lotus road cars -in all honesty they were crap most of the time, but when they worked - they were spectacular. You just could not depend on them.... its sad that this s part of his legacy.
