Lola and Yamaha Join Forces With ABT for Formula E Entry

Lola Cars (Lola) has announced a new partnership with ABT today. The two celebrated brands will unite to compete in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The entry will use a powertrain co-developed by the British marque and technical partner, Yamaha Motor.

The agreement to join the Formula E grid with ABT is set to be just one element of a joint venture between the two companies to explore far-reaching areas of sustainable motorsport. This will form part of Lola’s strategy to re-establish itself as an industry leader, focusing on electrification, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels and materials.

“We are thrilled to partner with ABT as we bring the technology we’ve developed with Yamaha Motor 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; 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.” Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman, Lola Cars Ltd 

The 2024 season opener in Mexico was ABT’s 100th race. With 47 podium finishes and more than 1,400 points, the team is among the most successful on the grid.

We are delighted to have found two such renowned partners for our future in Formula E,” said ABT CEO and Team Principal Thomas Biermaier. “Of course, it will be a big challenge for a new manufacturer to enter and establish itself in a world championship. But during our discussions and negotiations over the past few months, we sensed how skilled, motivated and determined Lola and Yamaha are to make this project successful – just like every team member.”

Heiji Maruyama, Managing Executive Officer and Director, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. “Yamaha Motor is accelerating the research and development of various technologies that contribute to sustainability. As the Technical Partner of Lola, we hope to acquire more advanced energy management technologies through the highest level of electric racing in Formula E. We are delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the success of such a great team as ABT with our technology and to work together with Lola.” 

Development of the powertrain and related software is already well underway, with the first shakedown planned for June. Additional details about the team’s setup and structure will be announced soon.

This latest collaboration continues Lola’s commitment to working alongside partners to develop innovative technologies in global motorsport and the broader zero-emissions transportation space.