Lola Cars to ‘enter Formula E’ next season

• Lola rumoured to be partnering with existing team on the grid
• ERT and Abt Cupra have reportedly already held discussions

Lola Cars is set to return to motorsport through an entry in Formula E from next season, according to The Race.

The British manufacturer has a history in endurance racing, CART (what became IndyCar) and Formula One, but it has reportedly chosen the all-electric series for its return to top-level motorsport.

The company ceased operations in 2012, but is now owned by US-based British businessman Till Bechtolsheimer, having acquired the name and some of its remaining assets in 2022.

The Race reports that Lola ‘will take delivery of a Gen3 test car this month and will be on track early in the summer after registering as an official manufacturer’ with Formula E.

It is expected to enter as a powertrain supplier and partner with an existing team, having purportedly held talks with ERT and Abt Cupra.

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Lola has targeted Formula E personnel in recent months, hiring Mark Preston and Keith Smout, formerly key figures at the Techeetah team.

This came after Lola bolstered its technical staff with the additions of former McLaren and Williams designer Mark Tatham as technical director and ex-HWA and Mercedes-Benz engineer Michael Wilson as managing director.

According to The Race, Lola has already been active in Formula E working group meetings, attended by Preston, while Bechtolsheimer was present at the London E-Prix last season and at the 2024 season opener in Mexico City in January.

Bechtolsheimer told The Race that he was “busy ensuring that Lola returns to racing soon” but would not confirm any details. He added the company is “building up to something really exciting, which could be communicated imminently”.