Lola, a brand that once shone brightly and then faded away, has embarked on an astonishing journey in just 30 months. It now finds itself competing in a full-fledged world championship, telling a story that is both unlikely and captivating. This journey includes an unexpected canvas, as there are likely more Lolas racing in historic competitions worldwide than any other make. Ironically, it is in Formula E, the sustainable artery of racing, that Lola has made its racing return.

Lola's Unprecedented Comeback in the Racing World

From Glory to Defunct and Back

Once upon a time, Lola was a glorious brand, achieving great heights. However, it faced a decline and became defunct. But now, it has made a remarkable comeback, competing in a world championship. This transformation is a testament to the brand's resilience and the vision of its new proprietor.The story of Lola's rebirth is not just about a brand coming back to life. It is about the passion and determination of those involved. From the early days of its founder Eric Broadley to the present under Martin Birrane and now with Till Bechtolsheimer at the helm, Lola has always had a special place in the racing world.

Yamaha's Return and Lola's Entry

Yamaha has returned to car racing alongside Lola, adding a new dimension to the brand. Lola has also taken over Abt's Formula E entry licence, becoming one of the seven registered manufacturers in the series. This partnership brings together two powerful forces in the racing world, creating a synergy that is set to make waves.Till Bechtolsheimer, a pragmatic and sharp businessman, took on the challenge of revitalizing Lola. He confesses that the journey has been fast-paced and a blur. But he is committed to building a team that can compete at the highest level.

Why Formula E?

When Lola had the choice of where to make its racing return, Formula E was a logical choice. While not needing to distance itself from its past, Lola needed to carve a new niche. Formula E offered the highest profile and most buoyant option.The fact that F1 custodian Liberty Global was coming in as majority owner sealed Bechtolsheimer's confidence in the series. He believes that Formula E has strong tailwinds and a bright future. The technical level of Formula E is also impressive, with spec components and a powertrain that is second only to F1.

Overcoming Initial Doubts

Initially, Bechtolsheimer was not focused on Formula E. He was a traditional petrolhead who was not excited about watching an electric series. But as he delved deeper into the series, he and his team were blown away by the technical level.Even some senior members of the Lola technical staff who had not had much interaction with Formula E in the past were initially unconvinced. But after spending more time on the project, they realized the potential of Formula E.

The Upcoming Season Opener

With so many new elements to the project, there is a lot to discuss. But this weekend, we will get tangible evidence of how the new Lola Yamaha Abt partnership performs on track at the season opener in Sao Paulo. This is an exciting moment for the brand and its fans, as they will see the fruits of their labor on the race track.