Group Lotus plc has just released an official statement informing that they are are not connected or affiliated to, nor in any other way associated with the newly announced "Team Lotus". Today’s press release comes as a response to yesterday’s media announcing the "Team Lotus" that was registered by two ex-Lotus employees for participation in the 2010 Formula 1 championship.
Lotus didn’t make any other official comments on this matter other than the fact they are now concentrating on exploring the opportunities present in the production cars segment and the company’s growth on markets like Malaysia, China, USA and India.
Lotus press release :
Group Lotus plc and its subsidiary Lotus Cars Limited, the manufacturer of the iconic Lotus Elise and global high technology engineering consultancy, are not connected or affiliated to, nor in any other way associated with the newly announced "Team Lotus" that has submitted an entry for the 2010 Formula 1 championship.  Group Lotus plc will take all necessary steps to protect its name, reputation and brand image.
Lotus will continue to focus on the tremendous worldwide opportunities that exist for its core businesses.  Lotus Cars has recently launched the stunning new Evora 2+2 global sportscar to great acclaim and deliveries to the first customers are imminent. The company is pulling all stops to ensure production meets demand.  Lotus Engineering, one of the market leaders in automotive green transport solutions, is currently working with many of the world’s vehicle manufacturers on state of the art projects with plans of growth in its international targeted markets such as Malaysia, China, USA and India.
Litespeed, a Norfolk-based team founded by two former Lotus engineers, announced that it has secured the rights to use the Lotus name for its next season F1 entry. The new Lotus F1 team will be based in Norfolk and will use the RTN facility. The commercial ambassador and driver manager of the newly formed Lotus F1 team will be Johnny Herbert, who raced under this name between 1990 and 1994.
The first entry of the Lotus name into Formula One took place as far back as 1958 and during its activity managed to win 7 constructors’ titles. the Lotus F1 team also had five drivers who became champions under its colors.
The last championship won by the Lotus F1 team was with driver Ayrton Senna in 1987, before going out of Formula One in 1994.

Source: Lotus