Lola Cars (Lola) has today announced a new partnership with ABT, seeing the two celebrated brands unite to compete in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The entry will use a powertrain co-developed by the British marque and technical partner, Yamaha Motor.
The agreement to join the Formula E grid with ABT is set to be just one element of a joint venture between the two companies to explore far reaching areas of sustainable motorsport. This will form part of Lola’s strategy to re-establish itself as an industry leader, focusing on three areas of electrification, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels and materials.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with ABT as we bring the technology we’ve developed with Yamaha Motor to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. It’s exciting to be working with a team that has so much history and success in the sport. Operating factory-backed programmes is ABT’s bread and butter and their experience in Formula E will give us a critical leg up. We look forward to developing our relationship within and beyond the electric racing series.” Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman, Lola Cars Ltd
The 2024 season opener in Mexico was the 100th race for ABT. With 47 podium finishes and more than 1,400 points, the team is one of the most successful on the grid.
We are delighted to have found two such renowned partners for our future in Formula E,” said ABT CEO and Team Principal Thomas Biermaier. “Of course, it will be a big challenge for a new manufacturer to enter and establish itself in a world championship. But during our discussions and negotiations over the past few months, we have clearly sensed how skilled, motivated and determined Lola and Yamaha are to make this project a success – just like every member of our team.”
Heiji Maruyama, Managing Executive Officer and Director, Yamaha Motor co., ltd. “Yamaha Motor is accelerating the research and development of various technologies that contribute to sustainability. As the Technical Partner of Lola, we hope to acquire more advanced energy management technologies through the highest level of electric racing in Formula E. We are very happy and honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the success of such a great team as ABT with our technology, working together with Lola.”
Development of the powertrain and related software is already well underway, with the first shakedown planned for June. Additional details about the set up and structure of the team will be announced in the coming months.
This latest collaboration continues Lola’s commitment to working alongside partners to develop innovative technologies across global motorsport and in the broader zero emissions transportation space.
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