I assume you are familiar with the Lola MasterCard team from 1997. Lola only came in November 1996 with the news that they would enter the Formula One in just a few months. Somehow, they managed to appear with their newest challenger the Lola T97/30 in the paddock of Australia. A car that was 11 seconds slower during qualifying. Only to appear in Brazil to close their garage doors for
Did you know this? Is a try out for a new series of articles I want to write down. The purpose for this is to bring forgotten stories and fact back on the surface. Of course, Formula One related small news items, facts or stories. I would love to have your input on this one as I myself love these forgotten facts about the Formula One. As well, I hope
Lola MasterCard debuted in 1997 on the grid with the Lola T97/30 badly designed because of a time pressure from MasterCard. As their original plan was to debut in 1998 assumable with their own Lola V10 engine. In 1994, they appeared with the Lola T95/30 on Silverstone where Allan McNish tested the car with no engine cover. However, did you know that the T95/30 would actually be the Lola T94/30?
You can’t imagine it now though there was a time a lot of drivers tested in the Formula One. Or teams tested in between races to test new aerodynamics or new engines. Or just to cash extra money by letting unknown drivers, who will never arrive, experience the Formula 1.As many of these drivers are long forgotten, and there isn’t a real overview of the test drivers, its all bits
You can’t imagine it now though there was a time a lot of drivers tested in the Formula One. Or teams tested in between races to test new aerodynamics or new engines. Or just to cash extra money by letting unknown drivers, who will never arrive, experience the Formula 1.As many of these drivers are long forgotten, and there isn’t a real overview of the test drivers, its all bits
Many legendary team names disappeared during the years, many of those names have been rumoured a couple of times to re-appear on the grid. Some of them did, a couple of times even, think of the Lola and March Engineering names. Which teams/names would you like to make a comeback on the Formula One grid? These are mine favourites! March Engineering March is one of those teams I would love
In 1997 Jacques Villeneuve became world champion in a controversial last race, were Michael Schumacher at that time the leader in the championship deliberately rammed Villeneuve whilst trying to defend. While new comer Lola appeared, a year to early, on the grid under pressure of MasterCard. After the Brazilian Grand Prix the team would not re-appear on the circuit. Besides the attempt of Sosprini to take over the team. Arrows
While on several continents a financial crisis occurred,in 1996 there were several attempts to enter the Formula One, or even tore-enter the Formula One. During the season Forti Corse were declared bankrupt after the British Grand Prix and took no further part in the championship. Damon Hill became the drivers champion with Williams, after his father did as well years earlier. Arrows FA17 Bridgestone test carIn the early months of
For the Larrousse team it became harder to survive during the 1994 season. The team was not able to update and develop the LH94, as there was no money left to invest. Besides the lack of finance, Érik Comas managed to score twice a point, though it was clear that it was a struggle to survive and to appear on the grid in 1994. A reconstruction of the last months
Since the early days of Motor sports, Great Britain is the place to be if you want to develop yourself as a professional driver. Many international race classes visit one of the circuit in Great Britain, and many teams have their headquarters there. However, when they try to setup a British championship it does not go that well. The British F3000 championship in 1997 is a great example of it.
