Tony Fernandes' Formula 1 team, Team Lotus, has won the first round of the UK court battle with Proton.

Proton, the national car manufacturer which owns the Lotus-Renault team, had claimed that Tony's group had no right to use the Lotus name.

The full trial has now been brought forward to March 21.

Following the decision, Tony tweeted that he was "very very happy over the judgment today".

"And, extremely happy that full trial has been brought forward to March 21. The good, do always, eventually win," he said.

In a statement, Team Lotus said they were delighted over their success at the summary judgment application hearing in London on Monday and that the judge threw out Group Lotus' application even before hearing the arguments of the barristers on either side.

"Although this decision was never in doubt, it means that we start the 2011 season under the Team Lotus name," it said.

"While we expected that the judge would refuse this application, it is good to have the decision in black and white," said Team Lotus.

It said the judge also felt it was in everyone's best interest to bring the hearing date for the full trial forward and that is now fixed for March 21 rather than Team Lotus having to wait until Autumn 2011 or even later.

"We remain confident that we will succeed at the full trial and we can now focus on the challenges ahead in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship," Team Lotus said.

Based on reports, Proton group losing the application was not fatal to their entire case as it simply means the judge decided there are issues that must be heard at a full trial.

- Bernama