The Force India Formula One team has started legal action against Lotus over allegations that its rival copied designs while building its latest car.
Force India says it began civil action in Britain's High Court against Lotus' parent companies, former Force India designer Michael Gascoyne and Italian wind tunnel Aerolab.
Force India says Lotus had unauthorised access to "intellectual property" as well as components and tires licensed exclusively to the team by Bridgestone.
Force India said on Wednesday that "these are very serious claims and therefore it would not be taking such action if it could not provide supportive evidence."
The team confirmed it filed legal action against Aerolab in Italy in December.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.