The FIA has confirmed that three names changes have been granted for the 2012 season following a vote at the recent F1 Commission meeting in Geneva last week.
A brief statement from the governing body confirmed the news: “The FIA, on the basis of the support expressed by its F1 commission chaired by Bernie Ecclestone, which had a meeting in Geneva on November 3, has agreed the following team name changes as from 2012.”
| Team Name | Chassis | Former |
|---|---|---|
| Caterham F1 Team | Caterham | Lotus |
| Lotus Renault GP | Lotus | Renault |
| Marussia F1 Team | Marussia | Virgin |
The actual team names themselves can be changed before the 2012 season, with Lotus Renault GP likely to drop Renault from their title – it is in fact just the chassis names which require pre-approval.
Renault team principal and MD, Eric Boullier, says the name change is good for the sport, clearing up the confusion caused by having two teams with the ‘Lotus’ name in them.
“We are very pleased that our chassis name change has been approved. We have said all along that, in the interests of the sport, it is important that we remove any ambiguity on this matter. It is also important that there are clearly identifiable teams on the grid, and today’s announcement goes some way towards ensuring that.
“It is the start of another chapter for Enstone, but not a whole new beginning. The team’s history and experience will allow us to take up this challenge with a controlled and swift process. We’re very much looking forward to 2012.”
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