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Lola are pleased to release details of its much anticipated development upgrades to the successful LMP1 and LMP2 designs.
The newly titled B10/60 LMP1 Coupe sees significant upgrades in both mechanical and aerodynamic areas. The Lola LMP cars are set to race on both sides of the Atlantic in 2010, as well as at the 78th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.
After winning both LMP1 and LMP2 Le Mans Series constructors titles in 2009, Lola has continued to invest in and further develop its capabilities to ensure that the LMP designs have a major advancement in pace for the new racing season.
As well as perpetual upgrading in CFD and Windtunnel facilities, Lola has also seen key investment in its assembly and office areas as well as taking on extra technical staff to bolster its already renowned design office.
Lola has been a clear market leader in recent sportscar history with 60 LMP designs having been sold since 1999. With flexibility in technical and commercial strategies, Lola continues its dedicated support to all its teams.
Lola Cars Managing Director Robin Brundle will be interviewed on the Autosport Main Stage at 13.30 on Thursday afternoon, along with Lord Paul Drayson from Drayson Racing and Guy Smith from Dyson Racing.
Q&A with Julian Sole, Chief Engineer, Lola Cars
Q. What are the key changes that people will see for the 2010 season?
A. "We have done a lot of work on suspension geometry, improving front and rear suspension; there was quite a big focus on that this year. When the car is released you'll be able to see the rear of the bodywork is a lot different. Everything rearwards from the door is different. We have also incorporated on to the LMP1 the removable rear end that we had on the LMP2 car last year.
Q: When did the planning for 2010 begin? Was it straight after the last race or was it influenced by the regulation announcement?
"We really started work in the middle of last season. Then the regulation changes influenced it further which meant that we had to keep going longer (in the tunnel) which worked extremely well for us."
Q. For 2010, what is the percentage of mechanical and aerodynamic updates that have been made to the Lola LMP? Can you give a precise or rough estimate?
A. "This year, in terms of development time spent, it is probably 50/50. We have completed a lot of mechanical work as well as the aero programme, so really there is more mechanical development for the 2010 spec car then we usually would do. This has included a lot of very concentrated vehicle dynamic work on our 7-post test rig and all the new suspension geometry."
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