Lola and Yamaha confirm Abt partnership for Formula E entry next year

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Lola Cars and Yamaha have confirmed a partnership with Abt for their Formula E entry next season.

Two weeks after announcing its return to top-level motorsport through a technical partnership with Yamaha Motor Company, Lola’s destination on the grid is finalised.

Abt rejoined Formula E at the start of the 2023 season in partnership with Cupra and supplied by Mahindra powertrains. This contract will come to a premature conclusion at the end of this season after a mutual termination was agreed.

The inaugural on-track shakedown for the new powertrain developed by Lola and Yamaha is planned to be in June, with information like title partner, driver line-up and team structure to be announced in the coming months.

“We are delighted to have found two renowned partners for our future in Formula E. Of course, it will be a big challenge for a new manufacturer to enter and establish itself in a world championship,” said Thomas Biermaier, chief executive and team principal of Abt.

“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. In the meantime, we are fully focused on the current season. Our goal is to achieve as many sporting highlights as possible in the coming weeks.”

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Till Bechtolsheimer, chairman of Lola Cars, added: “We are thrilled to be partnering with ABT as we bring the technology we’ve developed with Yamaha Motor Company 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.”

In wider Formula E news, the all-electric series has agreed a three-year media rights deal with Sony Pictures India to air all races live on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV across the Indian sub-continent.

The channel will also broadcast Formula E’s behind-the-scenes ‘Unplugged’ series, as well as closely following the debut season of Indian driver Jehan Daruvala.