The British racing car marque Lola has flagged a possible attempt to enter formula one in 2014.
In 1997, the company entered a team but pulled out after appearing dramatically off the pace at the season opener.

Lola Cars tried again in 2010 when the USF1 project collapsed.

Autoweek’s Quentin Spurring reports that Lola is now calling on the FIA to re-open bidding for the grid’s vacant thirteenth team slot.

“We’re ready and waiting,” said managing director Robin Brundle, whose older brother is the former McLaren driver and lead BBC commentator Martin.

“Motor sport is a third of our business, and we’re happy to expand in any direction. We’re on schedule to hit a turnover of ($40 million) this year, and within five years, we expect to top ($77 million).

“But a formula one programme will take us up by tens of millions,” he added. “We’ve retained the capability.

“We can do everything in one building, and we’re hopeful that, if the FIA bring back the 13th license, we can bid for it.”

Two teams are reportedly in the running to secure the sponsorship of the American credit card multinational MasterCard.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Renault was courting a deal with the New York Stock Exchange-listed company.

Finland’s Turun Sanomat now claims that Williams is also in the running, even if Renault remains the favourite.

MasterCard sponsored Lola’s stillborn F1 effort in 1997, and the Jordan team in 1998-2001.