Ferrari have renamed their new Formula One car in an effort to avoid a court battle with Ford.

The Scuderia had named their new challenger the F150 as a means of marking the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification.

Ford claimed that this represented a trademark infringement as their F-150 truck is one of their best-selling models, with the manufacturer filing court papers asking for Ferrari to be barred from using the name.

Ferrari have attempted to avoid a dispute by renaming their F1 car the F150th Italia.

A Ferrari statement read: “It has always been the case in the history of Scuderia names, that they represent the nomenclature of a racing car project and are linked to a chronological order with a technical basis, or to special occasions.

“This year, the decision was taken to dedicate the car name to a particularly significant event, the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification.

“Ferrari believe that its own contender in the F1 championship cannot be confused with other types of commercially available vehicle of any sort whatsoever, nor can it give the impression that there is a link to another brand of road-going vehicle.

“Ferrari has now decided to ensure that in all areas of operation, the abbreviated version will be replaced with the full version, Ferrari F150th Italia.”