On the day Fernandes' Team Lotus, powered by Renault engines, and Lopez's Renault, sponsored by manufacturer Group Lotus, took the wraps off their new cars for the forthcoming Formula One season, the naming rights row issue naturally surfaced.
In a case of one-upmanship, simply to beat Renault to the punch, Team Lotus opted for an online launch, hitting the internet a few hours before their rivals revealed their challenger at Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit.
It meant that Lopez was at least on hand to answer questions posed about the High Court case at the end of March that will put an end to the feud that has simmered all winter as to who has the rights to use the famous Lotus name in F1.
As far as Lopez is concerned, it is all about money, stating if Team Lotus were forced to change their name then they would lose considerable revenue from Formula One Management, supremo Bernie Ecclestone's company that shares out the television funds amongst the teams, amounting to potentially tens of millions of pounds.
Asked if the row was overshadowing matters, speaking at the circuit Lopez said: "I think it is, and it's a shame for the brand also because I'm a big fan of the brand.
"I've dealt with the press for many years, not just in Formula One but also in business, and you've got to call a spade a spade, and I can tell when somebody is trying to twist things.
"It's a shame because we've never twisted things in any form or fashion. We've just said we have a partnership with Lotus, which is a great car company.
"They have decided to be quite aggressive in terms of development, they want to have a business that's associated with Formula One, they want to promote their brand, and there is only one Lotus car company.
"Anything else is a bunch of BS.
"I'm aware of the negotiations that took place, and I know money is essentially the centrepiece of this, it's not passion, not taking over Colin Chapman's legacy or whatever.
"It's the fact that if 1Malaysia Racing (otherwise known as Team Lotus) changes their name, they lose their FOM money.
"It's an issue for them, and it's probably one I wouldn't take too kindly to if I was in their shoes. I would be fighting.
"But just admit to the reality, that it's about money. It's nothing else."
Lopez is also disgruntled with Fernandes' portrayal of himself as the little guy coming under attack from the Renault bullies.
"I don't think there's any question as to who is going to be who on the racetrack, but it's damaging to have this (feud) around the Lotus name," added Lopez.
"Where I believe it is quite damaging is to act as the small team that has been beaten up, a David against Goliath. Hello! We're a private team.
"The whole thing about being the poor kid that gets beaten up at the back of the room, that makes me laugh sometimes.
"The fact is it's all about money, and they stand to lose money if they change their name, and they should be honest and say that."
Renault are now 100% owned by Lopez's Genii Capital, a Luxembourg- based private investment firm, that late last year signed a seven-year title sponsorship agreement with Group Lotus.
Despite making a considerable amount of noise about the real Lotus returning to F1, even if in name only rather than a manufacturer, it was clear today not everybody was on message.
Driver Robert Kubica was asked whether it was a dream to drive for 'Lotus', to which he replied: "Well, they're a sponsor, a partner.
"I could say that it was my dream to drive for Total (another team sponsor).
"If Lotus owned the team then it would be a bit different."
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