Lola confirm 'invaluable' Formula E driver pairing after debut campaign

Lola Yamaha ABT has confirmed an unchanged driver pairing of Lucas di Grassi and Zane Maloney for the upcoming Formula E campaign. 

The historic British manufacturer joined the all-electric championship last season and has opted for continuity rather than change. 

Di Grassi and Maloney being retained for a second season as team-mates had been expected and was revealed by RacingNews365 in the summer, with Mark Preston, the team's motorsport director having described the nature of the pairing as "invaluable".

"Lola, Yamaha and ABT have all been working extremely hard to apply the learnings from our first season to put ourselves in the best possible position for Season 12 and we are thrilled that Zane and Lucas will be continuing to drive this progress forwards," said Preston.

"The benefit of having a new driver to the series, along with one of the most experienced, has been clear from day one and their feedback and dedication is invaluable to the team."

It was a daunting first season in Formula E for Lola, who entered the series at the start of the Gen3 Evo era but without any prior experience in the category. 

With its own powertrain, the back of the grid typically consisted of at least one yellow-and-blue car; however, progress towards the midfield was made in the latter rounds. 

A shock podium was secured by veteran di Grassi in Miami, who will be embarking on his 12th season in Formula E. 

Di Grassi's knowledge and expertise in Formula E has been vital to the growth of Lola, with the Brazilian determined to get the squad further up the field in what will be the final year of the current regulatory cycle. 

"I’m pleased to confirm a second season with Lola Yamaha ABT in Formula E," said di Grassi. "Our first season was very positive with a podium in Miami and 32 points scored. 

"We’ve worked extremely hard this summer and added reinforcements to the team to ensure our second season is even better. 

"The long-term view and dedication of people from Lola, Yamaha and ABT to put this team where it deserves to be, winning races and fighting for championships, gives me so much motivation. 

"I really enjoy working with the team and truly appreciate all the effort they’ve put in, which will hopefully result in many more successes in the future together."

Youth and experience

In retaining both di Grassi and Maloney, Lola has opted to stick with a driver pairing consisting of both youth and experience. 

Lola's first year in Formula E also marked Maloney's debut season, one which saw the former Sauber academy driver fail to score a point. 

It was a statistic which failed to bother the 21-year-old, who was always aware of the challenges being a rookie in a completely new and inexperienced team. 

However, the upcoming campaign represents one where progress is expected of Maloney, who will also support Lola's Gen4 development which will get underway later this year.

"I’m very excited to be continuing with Lola Yamaha ABT for Season 12," said Maloney. "Last year was mine and the team’s rookie season and I think we developed very well. 

"I’m looking forward to working with Lucas and the entire team to continue that development into next season. 

"Of course, it’s going to be a tough year but the more that we can carry on working hard and making progress with the car, while I continue to improve as a driver, the better we can do. Thank you to the fans for all the support and we look forward to seeing you all next season."