Lola has announced that it is starting a Formula 1 project following the recent cost-cutting measures introduced by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
It is understandable that more parties are now considering Formula 1 in 2010, after the governing body outlined a £30 million budget cap option for the teams. But for a company that had such a disastrous F1 experience as recently as 1997 (above), Lola’s plans certainly came as a bit of a surprise.
Over the last 10 years, however, Lola has turned its fortunes around, culminating in an unprecedented seven cars on the grid for the 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours. In that time it has invested heavily in new technology, including an F1-standard wind tunnel, the latest CFD and FEA programmes, and a seven-post dynamic chassis rig – all part of the reason for its success. If a company was ever in a position to put an F1 car on the grid as early as 2010, it is Lola.
Martin Birrane, executive chairman of the Lola Group, said: “The current necessity for F1 to adopt a responsible approach in times of economic uncertainty has created the ideal conditions for us to consider developing a car for the World Championship.
“Lola possesses the technical resources and know-how to develop cars capable of competing at the very highest levels of international motor sport, including F1. We are therefore embracing the WMSC’s timely announcements and assessing a relevant programme for F1 with a view to making a formal entry in the coming weeks.”
Great news, I’m sure you’ll all agree. So, who should drive for one of the most British companies competing at the top of international motor sport?
Fantastic news if true. The grid is filling up. I await pre-qualifying with interest.
Everybody agrees that costs need to be cut, but with all due respect to Mr. Birrane I would not call the prospect of two-tier series with dual rule book “ideal conditions”. I hope it will be prevented, but how?
Lola’s return is great news, especially because historically, F1 hasn’t been only about engine manufacturers. The presence of great chassis makers must be as important as engine makers. They were blown away in 1997 because their sponsor MasterCard let them down, but they had no real chance to show their capabilities. Now Lola Cars has a much better management and success in Le Mans. The budget cap is the right initiative they needed for making this return. I hope Anthony Davidson and a young talent will be chosen to drive the cars, designed by Mike Gascoyne. That would make a lot of sense, wouldn’t it?
As you say, this is very good news, and clearly a sensible – and regulated – budget cap will attract more teams to the grid. Remember, back in the 1970s, we had pre-qualifying to decide who would actually qualify for the race……Seems a long time ago now.
But will the budget cap work in reaity? How will it be regulated in such a fiercely competitive environment?
Speaking to David Richards about his tentative plan to return to F1 with Aston Martin, he was sceptical about all teams agreeing to spend only 30 million. And he’s right, as ever.
More cars do not necessarily make for better racing. It is quality that counts, as we have seen this year with Ross Brawn’s team.
RW