Team Lotus and a would-be ally appear to be at loggerheads as the battle over the Lotus name in Formula One prepares to go to the High Court.

Sunday night saw original Team Lotus owner David Hunt accuse the Hingham outfit of 'trying to renegotiate by offering new terms which are, frankly, ludicrous' for his help in their court case with Group Lotus.

The 10-day trial over who has the right to use the iconic Norfolk marque in motorsport's marquee category started on Monday but will not finish before the F1 season starts on March 27 in Melbourne.

The name of both the Team Lotus and Lotus Renault F1 teams are in danger of having to be changed, depending on the High Court's verdict.