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Lola ponder F1 comeback

Guy Smith Dyson Lola ALMS
Image: Lola: Popular name

The new streamlined Formula One could entice British company Lola back into the fold after more than a decade.

Legends of the circuit could return in 2010

The new streamlined Formula One could entice British company Lola back into the fold after more than a decade. The Huntingdon-based motorsport specialists have not been involved since the failure of their works team in 1997, but the cost-cutting measures set to be implemented for 2010 have tempted them to reconsider. Lola Group executive chairman Martin Birrane says the new budget cap should make it possible for the team that was so popular from the 1960s onwards to return to the grid. "The announcement that Formula One teams may opt for a prudent, financially responsible cost-capped regime from 2010 has resulted in us deciding to fully evaluate the opportunity to develop a car to compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship," he said. "The current necessity for Formula One to adopt a responsible approach in times of economic uncertainty has created the ideal conditions for us to consider developing a car for the world championship. "Lola possesses the technical resources, capability and know-how to develop cars capable of competing at the very highest levels of international motor sport, including Formula One." With their expertise gleaned from other forms of motorsport it appears the team is in the perfect position to design and build a competitive car.