Team Lotus loses key ally Hunt in name dispute

Team Lotus’ hopes of winning its F1 naming dispute have taken a blow, with the defection of a major ally.

With the Group Lotus court battle set to resume in London on Monday, it emerged that David Hunt – who sold the ‘Team Lotus’ name to Tony Fernandes and his partners – is preparing to sue the Malaysian millionaire.

The Telegraph said their dispute surrounds Hunt, brother of the late F1 driver James Hunt, alleging that Fernandes has not yet paid him for the name.

The report said Hunt is “refusing to assist Team Lotus in court”, and sees “potentially some serious holes” in Fernandes’ case.

Referring to the allegedly broken agreement with Fernandes, Hunt said: “He’s apparently changed his mind at the eleventh hour … and he’s trying to renegotiate by offering new terms which are, frankly, ludicrous.”

Team Lotus did not immediately comment.

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