The battle between Group Lotus and F1’s Team Lotus over the use of the name ‘Lotus’ will be contested in a full trial starting on 21st March.
High court judge Mr Justice Peter Smith ruled today that the dispute was going on too long and needed to be resolved quickly, the BBC have reported.
The hearing today surrounded the decision by Group Lotus, owned by Malaysian car giant Proton, to terminate a five-year licensing deal with Tony Fernandes, team principal Team Lotus, allowing him to use the Lotus brand in Formula 1.
The full case will be heard after the beginning of the 2011 Formula 1 season and so, baring any out of court settlement, there will be two teams racing under the Lotus name on 13th March in Bahrain.
A detailed explanation of the Lotus vs. Lotus battle can be found here.