Lola Cars Returns To Global Motorsport With Yamaha In Formula E

Lola Cars, the iconic motorsport brand with a rich heritage of over 500 championship wins, has announced a strategic move to re-enter global motorsport through a significant partnership with Yamaha Motor Company. This collaboration marks Lola's ambitious return, focusing on the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship from Season 11. The partnership aims to develop and supply high-performance electric powertrains, signaling Lola's commitment to sustainable motorsport.

With a legacy that spans more than six decades, Lola Cars has been at the forefront of motorsport design and engineering. This new venture with Yamaha is part of Lola's broader strategy to establish itself as a leader in sustainable engineering within the motorsport industry. The focus will be on three critical areas: electrification, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels and materials.

Mark Preston, Motorsport Director at Lola Cars Ltd, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the opportunity it presents for technological development in motorsport. "This project will allow us to create a unique electrified platform with a software focus at its core," Preston stated, highlighting the initiative's alignment with Lola's future plans in defining motorsport technology.

Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman of Lola Cars Ltd, shared his enthusiasm for joining forces with Yamaha Motor Company. He praised the collaboration as a testament to the caliber of the team at Lola and underscored the project's focus on technological advancement. The partnership is poised to leverage the highly efficient 350 kW electric powertrain that underpins Formula E's manufacturer’s perimeter, exploring its potential applications across international motorsport.

Heiji Maruyama, Managing Executive Officer and Director at Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., highlighted the shared vision of sustainability between the two companies. "Yamaha Motor Company is accelerating research and development of technologies contributing to sustainability," Maruyama said. He expressed honor in forming this partnership with Lola, aiming to advance energy management technologies through Formula E's competitive platform.

The collaboration between Lola Cars and Yamaha Motor Company is not just about returning to the racetrack; it represents a significant step towards sustainable motorsport. Since acquiring Lola Cars in 2022, Bechtolsheimer and his team have been developing their program from a new global headquarters in Silverstone, UK. They aim to build on Lola's legacy as the most successful manufacturer of customer race cars while steering the company towards a future focused on sustainability.

Lola Cars has a storied history in motorsport, designing and producing nearly 5000 race cars across 400 different model types. Its success spans various championships around the world, including IndyCar, Le Mans, Formula 1, and more. The partnership with Yamaha also continues Lola’s longstanding involvement in Japanese motorsport, where it has achieved significant success over the years.

This strategic alliance marks a pivotal moment for both Lola Cars and Yamaha Motor Company as they embark on this journey together in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. With a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, this partnership is set to redefine the future of motorsport technology.