LOLA will not be entering Formula 1 in 2011. The Huntingdon-based company put its plans on ice for a year after deciding in June 2009 not to pursue entry in 2010, but a statement on Thursday said that Lola would concentrate on supplying existing F1 teams.

LOLA will not be entering Formula 1 in 2011.

The Huntingdon-based company put its plans on ice for a year after deciding in June 2009 not to pursue entry in 2010, but a statement on Thursday said that Lola would concentrate on supplying existing F1 teams.

A statement issued by the company on Thursday (April 15) confirmed that Lola would be continue to be a technology supplier to F1 through its technical centre and manufacturing facilities in St Peter's Road, Huntingdon.

Several other key industries, including aerospace, motorsport, automotive and defence, will continue to be serviced by Lola's commercially available technical capabilities.

Executive chairman and owner Martin Birrane said: "A 2010 entry under the cost-capped and performance-balanced criteria was perfect for Lola. We already have F1 standard facilities at our headquarters in Huntingdon.

"Sadly our well-developed 2010 F1 project, which included a significant wind tunnel programme, had to be frozen in June 2009.

"The recently-announced applications for 2011 have left us with insufficient time to prepare for what would be a quite different programme."

Lola managing director Robin Brundle added: "Lola looks forward to strengthening its working partnerships with existing F1 teams and the rich variety of customers throughout the Lola portfolio."

Lola is set for its largest entry at Le Mans for 30 years in June when at least nine Lola-designed and built LMP cars will race in the Le Mans 24 Hours. The first race of the European sports car season last weekend saw Lola finish second and third overall at the Paul Ricard 8 Hours event.