Lotus to be called ‘1Malaysia’ next year?

(GMM) As previously reported, a dark cloud is hanging above the future identity of the F1 team currently known as Lotus.

In is media statement confirming a Renault engine deal, Lotus Racing did not mention its current name – or its intended 2011 moniker Team Lotus – a single time.

Rather, the team – locked in a naming dispute with the Proton-owned Group Lotus – referred to itself as "the Anglo-Malaysian team".

A hint about Lotus' next identity then emerged with the issuing of a statement of confirmation by the team's new supplier Renault.

The French carmaker said its new agreement is with "1Malayasia Racing Team", which is the UK-registered company name of the collaboration jointly owned by Tune Group and Naza Group in partnership with the Malaysian government and a consortium of entrepreneurs.