Lola Yamaha Formula E car gets first shakedown test

Lola’s return to motorsport grew a step closer this week with the first shakedown of a Formula E car powered by the drivetrain it has co-developed with Yamaha.

The famed British brand and the Japanese giant have teamed up to supply Abt Cupra for next season's Formula E championship, with the championship-winning team ending its relationship with Mahindra to align with the new Formula E entrant.

The first iteration of the Lola Yamaha Formula E collaboration made its dynamic debut on Wednesday for an initial run ahead of a full testing regime, which will take it to the Season 11 opener on December 7 in Sao Paulo Brazil.

“It was a special moment to see a Lola back on track,” said Lola motorsport director Mark Preston. “The initial shakedown is an important milestone in our Formula E journey with Yamaha, enabling engineers from both companies to gather valuable data to continue the development of our powertrain. It was a really positive day for the team and we look forward to going racing later this year.”

Lola is entering Formula E ahead of the GEN3 Evo ruleset, and its shakedown marks the first time the upcoming refreshed Formula E car has been seen in action by the public.

GEN3 Evo will run for the next two years before GEN4 -- which Lola and Yamaha have already committed to, ensuring it will be involved in Formula E until at least 2030 -- begins in 2026. For the first time, cars will have all-wheel-drive, and with aerodynamic improvements and new Hankook tires (made with 35 percent recycled materials) offering 10 percent more grip. Along with Lola Yamaha, Nissan, Jaguar, and Porsche have also made early commitments to GEN4.