Lola Cars has confirmed its return to motorsport in Formula E, while Nissan has become the first manufacturer to commit to the series’ Gen4 era.
Confirmed:
- Lola has agreed a multi-year technical partnership with Yamaha Motor Company
- The two will develop and supply a powertrain from next season
- Nissan commits to Formula E’s Gen4 era, remaining with the series until at least 2030
Context:
It was initially reported by The Race that Lola Cars was on the verge of choosing Formula E for its return to top-level motorsport. As a powertrain supplier, it is unclear who Lola and Yamaha will partner, but they have purportedly held talks with ERT and Abt Cupra.
Meanwhile, ahead of the all-electric series’ debut in Tokyo this weekend, Japanese manufacturer Nissan has committed to Formula E until 2030. This makes it the first manufacturer to commit to Formula E’s Gen4 era.
Comment:
Mark Preston, motorsport director of Lola Cars, said: “We are thrilled to confirm our entry in Formula E. For us, this is more than just an opportunity to return Lola to the track, it’s also a fantastic platform for technological development.
“Lola Cars has a decorated history of success in chassis and aerodynamic design. This project will allow us to create a unique electrified platform with a software focus at its core to provide a basis for Lola’s wider plans in defining the future of motorsport technology.
“The partnership is the first of several major projects planned to re-establish the British company as an industry leader in sustainable engineering and motorsport, strategically focusing on three areas of electrification, hydrogen and sustainable fuels and materials.”
Coming next:
Formula E debuts on the streets of Tokyo this weekend from 29th to 31st March.
Go deeper:
- Competitive racing, street circuits, and a US$250k bet: Why Formula E is making more noise about F1 than ever before
- How Formula E is balancing its sustainable mission with global expansion as it begins its Gen3 era
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