Lola will compete as the Lola Formula E team next season, after dropping Yamaha from its official entrant name for the GEN4 period.
The Japanese technology company will continue its role as technical partner with Lola, which has deployed a more independent status and outlook throughout its Formula E programme recently.
Lola revealed earlier this year that it would cease working with the ABT organisation and bring its engineering capability in-house. In the surprising move it chose to develop its own engineering talent, although has not yet issued details about the structure of its Formula E team or the direct engineering replacements in its operation.
It has recruited some personnel recently, including engineer Gerry Hughes, who is well-known in the paddock from his tenure as the Team Principal of the NIO entry between 2017 and 2019.
But Lola has also seen several departures from its business in recent months, including commercial head Keith Smout, Team/Operations Manager, David Clarke, while financial director Michaela Watts is set to depart the company soon.
Commenting on the specific change of the entrant name, Lola Cars CEO, Mishern Chetty, said that “since the inception of Lola’s Formula E program Yamaha has been an invaluable technical partner, providing expertise and resource which has been key to our development. We are proud to be continuing this relationship with them for our GEN4 campaign, where they remain a core part of the team.
“The importance of our relationship with Yamaha was reflected through their inclusion in our team name and branding level in our initial seasons. However, following the decision to bring the race team in-house for GEN4 to streamline activities and increase expertise for future motorsport projects, we have updated our team’s name and positioning accordingly.
“We will therefore compete next season as the Lola Formula E Team, with both companies continuing to build on the foundations established together in GEN3.5 to develop a competitive platform which provides a unique platform for OEMs, technical and commercial partners looking to join Formula E.”
Takayuki Sato, Chief General Manager, Yamaha Motor co., ltd. Added that “together with Lola, we have gained invaluable experience over the past two seasons racing the GEN3 Evo powertrain. We will build on those foundations as we enter the GEN4 era, continuing to lead the powertrain development as Lola’s technical partner and pursuing the next level of performance and innovation.
“At this important moment in our Formula E journey, we are pleased to welcome Gerry to the team. His experience will be a tremendous asset, and we look forward to competing together as we take on the challenges and opportunities of GEN4.”
Lola is set to run Robert Shwartzman in one seat for the first GEN4 season, with Enzo Fittipaldi also looking at a deal with Lola after recently testing its GEN4 development car.
