Lotus denies misconduct in Force India dispute

Lotus has responded to word that it is being sued by the Force India team with regards to its car design. According to reports in the German media, the Vijay Mallya-owned squad feels that the 2010 debutants have copied their plans via wind tunnel company Aerolab.

A disagreement involving Aerolab and Silverstone's Force India first emerged in November, with the team – which was involved in technical partnerships with the Italian company in November 2008 and September 2009 – having been entangled in a legal dispute with the wind tunnel operator, which described 'serious and persistent' breaches of contract.
Also in November, Force India hinted that a copy of its design by Lotus could be possible, judging by early photos which were released by the latter of its 2010 car.

However, Lotus stresses that it is solely caught up in a spat which is principally involving the other two parties.

"Lotus Racing has been joined as a co-defendant in civil proceedings which are principally between Force India and Aerolab/Fondtech," a Lotus spokesperson explained to GPUpdate.net on Tuesday morning.

"These proceedings do not allege any wrongdoing on the part of Lotus Racing. Aerolab/Fondtech vigorously denies any wrongdoing and have provided Lotus Racing with a full indemnity in relation to the claim." GPUpdate.net