Superleague to scrap old Champ Car for new chassis?

Current Champ Car DP09 fitted with V12 (top) and model of new Lola Senior Car (bottom)

The Superleague Formula Series could introduce a brand new chassis in time for the 2013 season with steps already being taken to find a suitable partner.

With the current crop of bespoke single-seaters, built by Elan Motorsport Technologies in time for the inaugural 2008 campaign, due to enter their fifth year of competition in 2012, the nations cup series feels the time is right to begin evaluating its next generation of racing cars.

Any new chassis will have a tough act to follow: the crowd-pleasing ex-Champ Car DP09’s distinctive character, screaming V12, 750bhp and push-to-pass systems has ensured on-track action is seldom anything less than exhilarating as drivers battle wheel-to-wheel.

While Superleague Formula will be consulting a number of proven suppliers in the coming months, championship officials recently visited world-renowned racing car firm Lola where they were treated to a glimpse of its World Senior Car.

Over seven decades the British engineering company has gained a wealth of experience and an impeccable reputation for building both single-make and multi-competitive racing cars spanning Formula 1, IndyCar, F3, A1GP and Formula Nippon.

Combining state-of-the-art F1 technology with Lola’s expertise in delivering cost-effective one-make chassis, the World Senior Car has the potential to perfectly fulfill Superleague Formula’s requirements.

Steve Farrell, Superleague Formula Technical Director: “Lola Group has an incredible pedigree in international motorsport which made them the ideal starting point in Superleague Formula’s search for a new car. The championship has always been different from the mainstream. We would be looking for something exciting and distinctive, but most importantly driver-friendly whilst maintaining a tight control on parts and running costs.

“The amazing diversity of projects being undertaken at Huntingdon has helped the Lola Group prove they are capable of successfully tackling new challenges. The glimpse we saw of their World Senior Car gives us confidence in knowing that they perfectly understand our requirements."

Robin Brundle, Managing Director of Lola Cars International Ltd: “Lola has considerable experience in delivering high performance racing cars and after sales services for international one make-series such as Superleague Formula. SF’s criteria fit well with Lola’s capabilities and while our initial discussions remain at an embryonic stage, the championship is satisfied that our World Senior Car ticks all the relevant boxes. We wish Robin Webb and his team every success delivering their vision for the series."