Lola Cars International Ltd start the 2005 British Formula Three International Series with a double title attack in both the championship and national class of what is undoubtedly one of the world’s most competitive single seater series.
After breaking Dallara’s winning run of 11 years, Lola are now upping the ante in 2005 with Danilo Dirani driving the all-new Lola B05/30 chassis powered by a Neil Brown prepared Mugen-Honda engine. The highly rated Brazilian will benefit from major development work on the new chassis, which has been designed to the new International F3 regulations. Lola’s dedicated engineering team believe that the model will easily surpass the achievements of the previous car that underwent continuous development since its inception in 2003 and reaped 11 overall wins in the UK, Italy and Japan in 2004.
Dirani, who was training with BAR drivers Jenson Button and Takuma Sato in Malaysia last week, was positive in his outlook for 2005, saying; “The aim is the championship for sure and I think that with the skills of P1 Motorsport and Lola we can achieve this in 2005. I now have the experience of a years racing in the UK so I am in a good position to challenge for the title. I know it will be a hard fight but at the moment we have started out very well to follow through on our intentions.”
The Lola B05/30 has undergone intensive aerodynamic evaluation since last summer with Lola’s renowned CFD capability. That was used as a base study before the project was switched to Lola’s on site, state of the art 50% scale rolling road windtunnel. Specific aero changes on the car include re-profiled sidepods and front wing assembly, as well as a completely new underbody. Lola have also worked hard to improve the car’s behaviour over kerbs and have completed a number of simulations in their own 7-post dynamic test rig.
The B05/30 also features a unique option for its customers in that the car can run three configurations of spring settings. Twin shock, monoshock and a third spring option can be used to suit individual circuits and driver’s tastes. Initial testing has also been conducted using the new Pankl gearbox, which has been packaged to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
In the B05/30’s first tests Dirani has been encouraged by the early pace of the car, especially commenting on how adaptable the car is over a lap.
In a two-pronged attack, Lola will also be represented in the new national class this year with Promatecme and Fluid Motorsport Development fielding Lola-Dome F106/04 chassis. Silverstone based Promatecme will field rising star Charlie Hollings in the same chassis that took Danny Watts to victory at Castle Combe last June. Fluid are close to announcing their driver for the season and will be looking to score results in their first year at this level. They will run at the test day with Gavin Halls who competed in the Formula Four Championship in 2004.
Charlie Hollings comes to Formula Three after some impressive results in Formula Renault last season and is looking forward to challenging for national honours this season, saying;
“Our collective goal for this season is to win the national class. When I signed for Chris (Weller) we targeted the title and I think we have a very good chance as he runs an excellent team. I am sure we can put together a championship season with all the ingredients we have here.”
All three Lola cars will be in action at the official Media Day at Silverstone today
