The 'perfect' problem hurting Lola in Formula E

Joining Formula E has been no easy feat for Lola, with Zane Maloney revealing that, as things stand, a "perfect lap" is needed to have any chance of fighting the bigger teams.

For Lola, even though it arrived for the start of the modified Gen3 Evo, its opponents had a two-year advantage when it came to overall Gen3 data and an understanding of how to extract maximum performance.

According to Maloney, while the outright performance of Lola's powertrain is not an issue, it overheats more quickly than those of other manufacturers. The outfit also struggles with rear tyre traction faster.

The introduction of Gen4 next season represents the ultimate clean slate for Lola, which will, for the first time, be on a level playing field with the others. However, 11 races remain in the final Gen3 campaign, and points are proving near-impossible to come by.

Just one point has been scored by Lola this season, courtesy of Maloney being promoted to 10th in the São Paulo season opener after Felipe Drugovich was penalised.

Scoring points is not the only problem; qualifying in the top half of the grid has also been difficult. Maloney’s two 10th-place qualifying results in Jeddah and Madrid mark the highest starting position Lola has achieved in Season 12, with a duel appearance yet to be secured.

For Maloney and Lucas di Grassi, absolute perfection is required to have any chance of reaching the duels, while other drivers can make mistakes and still qualify near the front.

"Every weekend is different," Maloney told RacingNews365. "In terms of how the races are, some weekends are very energy-sensitive. Others are quicker races where overtaking is difficult or affected by temperature.

"So we're always having to work on different aspects. Let's say we're always starting off behind in every area, and now we're trying to reduce each deficit.

"But when we put the car together, execute everything, and put together the lap, then we can be there or thereabouts. But we need a perfect lap for that to happen."

Maloney enjoying search for perfection pressure

If perfection across a lap is not achieved, the Lolas often find themselves qualifying at the back of the grid, but the team's effort and determination cannot be questioned.

Lola knew the scale of the challenge it faced when it entered Formula E mid-regulation cycle, but it is not getting Maloney down.

The Barbadian is thriving in an environment that demands perfection, recognising how it will benefit him when he has a more competitive package.

Asked if it is mentally challenging knowing perfection is always required, Maloney replied: "No, I wouldn't say it's difficult. I'm really enjoying that, because before qualifying you know it needs to be an amazing lap.

"And even before you jump in the car, you're thinking, 'Okay, I need to nail everything to have a chance.' And you get a reward when you do it."