Lola Cars, a renowned name in the world of motorsport, known for its success in CART, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and occasional appearances in Formula 1, is making a comeback to international motorsport. The plan is to enter Formula E next season, not as a team, but as a powertrain supplier in partnership with an existing team.
In 2022, Bechtolsheimer acquired the Lola name and some of its remaining assets, a decade after the company went bankrupt. Since then, he has been evaluating the motorsport landscape to determine the best racing program to commit to. After participating in the 2022 New York E-Prix, Bechtolsheimer decided that Formula E was the right choice.
Lola has expanded its team in recent months, with the addition of key figures from Techeetah, Mark Preston and Keith Smout. They join an already experienced technical team, which includes former designers from McLaren and Williams, Mark Tatham, and engineers from HWA and Mercedes-Benz, Michael Wilson.
Lola has been actively participating in Formula E working group meetings, including those attended by the Formula E Teams and Manufacturers Association (FETAMA), where Preston represented the company. Bechtolsheimer himself has been present at Formula E races, including the London E-Prix and the season opener in Mexico City in January 2024. It is believed that he attended the FETAMA meeting to introduce himself to other team owners.
Lola Cars was founded in 1958 by Eric Broadley and achieved great success in various racing categories, including three victories in the Indianapolis 500, championships and races in sports cars, F3, Formula Nippon, and F3000. Martin Birrane took over the company in 1997 and oversaw successful projects with MG at Le Mans and the CART title win with Newman Haas in 2002.
When Bechtolsheimer announced his acquisition of Lola in June 2022, he expressed his intention to reestablish Lola as a leading force in modern motorsport. Given his track record in energy efficiency, it was no surprise that he chose Formula E as the preferred path for Lola’s revival. He believes that motorsport plays a crucial role in innovation and testing new solutions, and through Lola, he intends to invest in these solutions.
Bechtolsheimer has dedicated his time to evaluating different motorsport series since becoming the owner of Lola. He believes that the Lola name is its greatest asset, attracting talent and forming lasting partnerships. Although the official announcement of Lola’s return to the tracks has not yet been made, it is expected that Formula E will be the chosen program. This decision is aligned with Bechtolsheimer’s vision of taking Lola into new and innovative areas of motorsport.
Formula E currently has a 12th license available for a racing team, but it is unlikely that Lola will take it. Instead, they are expected to partner with an existing team and provide powertrains for the Gen3 era and potentially beyond. The specific team they will partner with is unknown, but Abt has expressed interest in a powertrain for the Gen3 Evo period after unsuccessful negotiations with Porsche.
The launch of Lola into the future-proof category of Formula E is seen as a strategic move to showcase the brand’s renewal. The focus has shifted from high-volume customer car programs to alternative energy projects and partnerships with manufacturers. Although this new era of Lola may be different from the past, the company aims to build upon its rich heritage spanning almost 70 years.
© 2024
The Brazilian driver, Pedro Silva, achieved an impressive victory in the Formula 1 Grand Prix this Sunday. The thrilling race took place at the Interlagos circuit in São Paulo, leaving motorsport fans in ecstasy.
Silva, 28, demonstrated exceptional skills by overtaking his opponents during the race. His aggressive strategy and impressive speed earned him the top spot on the podium. With this victory, Silva becomes one of the most promising drivers in Formula 1.
The race was marked by several twists and exciting moments. Fans cheered at each overtake and were amazed by Silva’s abilities. The fierce competition among the drivers made the race one of the most thrilling of the season.
Starting his career in karting, Silva always dreamed of racing in Formula 1. His dedication and determination led him to achieve this historic victory. Now, he is eager to continue his journey in motorsport and achieve even more success.
The next Formula 1 race is scheduled for the upcoming weekend, and fans are already eager to see if Silva can maintain his impressive performance. With his victory at the Interlagos Grand Prix, he has become the favorite of Brazilians and is motivated to continue surprising on the tracks.
Formula 1 is one of the most prestigious competitions in motorsport, and each race brings excitement and adrenaline for fans. With talented drivers like Silva, the competition becomes even more intense and unpredictable. Fans can expect more thrilling moments in the upcoming races.
Silva is an example of determination and perseverance, and his victory at the Interlagos Grand Prix is a milestone in his career. With his talent and passion for motorsport, he will surely continue to surprise and inspire racing fans worldwide.
