Naming dispute cost us sponsors – Tony Fernandes

Tony Fernandes

Tony Fernandes has admitted the Lotus naming dispute cost his team sponsors heading into its second year in Formula One.

Team Lotus is currently in court fighting road car manufacturer Group Lotus over the use of the iconic name in Formula One. The case was preceded by a very public slanging match between the two sides, which Fernandes believes has put potential investors off.

In an interview with his team's in house e-magazine, Team Lotus Notes, Fernandes was asked if his outfit was looking to build up a broad sponsorship portfolio similar to the likes of Sauber. "Yes," he responded. "The only blip in that is this court case, which has probably put some sponsors off. The thing is that people just don't know who's right and who's wrong, it's confusing for people. But it's changing. I think many people now realize that it doesn't matter what our name is, you're investing in the people and the attitude. Sponsors who realize that will like us."

He added: "We'll fight our corner. I think we've proven that. We've taken on a Malaysian Government-linked company, we've taken on Group Lotus and we've taken on Force India. We won't give in but we'll do it in a proper way."