Lola are ‘ready and waiting’ to join the Formula 1 grid as the 13th outfit, according to managing director Robin Brundle.
The British engineering company which specialises in Motorsports, particularly Le Mans, applied to join the grid in 2010 when the FIA opened up a bidding process for four new teams to take the grid to 13 outfits.
Lola failed in their attempt with the FIA choosing Lotus, Virgin, Hispania and USF1. However, the latter failed to make the grid, therefore leaving the door open for a new competitior, which Lola believes should be them.
“We’re ready and waiting,” Brundle told Autoweek magazine. “Motorsport is a third of our business, and we’re happy to expand in any direction.
“We’re on schedule to hit a turnover of £24 million ($40m) this year, and within five years, we expect to top £48m ($77m). But a Formula One program will take us up by tens of millions.
“We’ve retained the capability. We can do everything in one building, and we’re hopeful that, if the FIA bring back the 13th license, we can bid for it.”
Brundle hinted that a debut wouldn’t come until 2014 when the new engine regulations takehold.
“We’d need to finalise an engine partner so we can design the back of the car when the new engine regulations come [in 2014], but we’re ready for it.”
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