Lola says no to F1

Lola announces today that it will not pursue an entry application for Formula One in 2011. Lola will continue to remain a technology supplier to Formula One via its Technical Centre and manufacturing facilities in Huntingdon. Several other key industries, including Aerospace, Motorsport, Automotive and Defense, will continue to be serviced by Lola’s commercially available technical capabilities.

Lola are also set for their largest entry at Le Mans for thirty years in June when at least nine Lola designed and built LMP cars race in the 24 Hours. The first race of the European sports car season last weekend saw Lola finish 2nd and 3rd overall at the Paul Ricard 8 Hours event.

Executive Chairman and owner, Martin Birrane said: “A 2010 entry under the cost capped and performance balanced criteria was perfect for Lola. We already have F1 standard facilities at our headquarters in Huntingdon. Sadly our well-developed 2010 F1 project, which included a significant wind tunnel program, had to be frozen in June 2009. The recently announced applications for 2011 has left us with insufficient time to prepare for what would be a quite different program."

Lola Managing Director, Robin Brundle, added: “Lola looks forward to strengthening its working partnerships with existing F1 Teams and the rich variety of customers throughout the Lola portfolio".