Lola is ready to make her return to F1
Since 2010, there should have been 13 teams in F1, but USF1 never materialized. Therefore, there is a spot available, and it attracts many contenders. Lola, whose application was rejected during the previous tender, believes it is strong enough to make its return to F1 as early as 2014.
The automotive engineering company has a long history with F1. But a history far from being linear since the British company has made numerous comebacks in this category. Thus, while its first appearance in Formula One dates back to 1962, its longest consecutive period in the discipline extends between 1985 and 1991.
Since then, she has turned more towards other disciplines like endurance racing with prototypes for Le Mans. But Lola has also ventured into other business sectors to become less dependent on motorsports alone, a strategy that Williams is currently imitating. An illustration of this evolution was the launch of the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R last January, with 25 units available for sale. It is interesting to note that Caterham has since been acquired by Tony Fernandes and that it will be the name of his F1 team from next year…
If Lola has distanced itself from F1, the British company does not intend to permanently close that chapter. Its CEO, Robin Brundle, even declares himself ready to make a return as early as 2014, as shown by his statements to Autoweek: “We are ready and waiting. Motorsports represent a third of our activity, and we would be delighted to expand in all directions. We are on track to achieve a turnover of $40 million this year. In five years, we should reach $77 million. But a Formula One program would increase our revenue by several tens of millions. We still possess the expertise. We can do everything under one roof. We hope that if the FIA revives the thirteenth license, we will be able to apply to obtain it.”
Nevertheless, a return to F1 as early as 2012 or even 2013 is completely out of the question since a significant change in engine regulations will take place in 2014. That’s why Robin Brundle intends to take his time before choosing his engine supplier: «We need to finalize our contract with a partner for the engines so that we can design the rear of the car when the new regulations come into effect, but we are ready.»
With the participation of RacingBusiness.fr
