Lola T97/30 Ford Mastercard F1 1997

[All Your Base]

Why I want this car in GT: This underrated Formula 1 car which only competed in 2 races deserves a spot in Gran Turismo. Also, don't forget about the Lotus 97T.

From Wikipedia: The Lola T97/30 was the car with which the MasterCard Lola Formula One team attempted to compete in the 1997 Formula One season. It was driven by Vincenzo Sospiri, the 1995 Formula 3000 champion, and Ricardo Rosset, who moved from Footwork Arrows. However, the team's tenure in F1 was brief. The first Lola chassis to compete in the sport since 1993 was originally planned for the 1998 season. However, due to pressure from main sponsor MasterCard, the car was rushed into service a year before the initial plan.

Specifications:
Length = Unknown
Width = Unknown
Constructor = Lola Cars
Designer = Eric Broadley
Team = MasterCard Lola
Chassis = Carbon fibre/aluminium honeycomb monocoque
Front suspension = Inboard pus
Height = Unknown
Wheelbase = Unknown
Track = Unknown
Engine name = Ford ECA Zetec R V8
Gears = 6-speed
Type = sequential
Weight = 520 kg
Fuel = Pennzoil
Tyres = Bridgestone
Debut = 1997 Australian Grand Prix
Races = 2 (0 starts)

Photos:

Video:

 

[Azure Flare]

Underrated? This car was a piece of crap that damn nearly bankrupted Lola at the time, they also never qualified for the 2 races they showed up to because they were too damn slow.

 

[All Your Base]

Underrated? This car was a piece of crap that damn nearly bankrupted Lola at the time, they also never qualified for the 2 races they showed up to because they were too damn slow.

I understand now. Someone delete this thread.

 

[swynder]

Even though it´s design is not bad, the car is plain rubish... If it was in GT6 it could easily be beaten with the Honda Fitt

 

[StarLight]

Even though it´s design is not bad, the car is plain rubish... If it was in GT6 it could easily be beaten with the Honda Fitt

Honda Fitt ....

 

[All Your Base]

Seems like, according to the threads on here, MasterCard is evil...

 

[swynder]

Seems like, according to the threads on here, MasterCard is evil...

MasterCard isn´t evil... It´s just the F1 that´s rubish

 

[Spongeinside]

It's in my opinion one of the best F1 car liveries ever, so just for that it should be included ofcourse with better performance

 

[All Your Base]

MasterCard isn´t evil... It´s just the F1 that´s rubish

They also supported SOPA and PIPA. Look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_organizations_with_official_stances_on_the_SOPA_and_PIPA

 

[Harsk100]

Majority of pictures are from #25 car, Ricardo Rosset.

 

[jake2013guy]

Actually, this car turned up for one race and didn't qualify. Mastercard pressured Lola into entering with this car despite Lola wanting to enter in 1998.

 

[All Your Base]

Seriously, don't vote on this car. It's a piece of crap.

 

[Liquid]

Oh, it's an old thread I know but when will I get the chance to argue the merits of the T97/30?

Majority of pictures are from #25 car, Ricardo Rosset.

Well, if proof was necessary Vincenzo Sospiri did drive the #24:

Actually, this car turned up for one race and didn't qualify. Mastercard pressured Lola into entering with this car despite Lola wanting to enter in 1998.

They turned up for two. After the DNQ in Australia, they went to Brazil too but didn't get out of the garage. They had a DNQ and a DNP. A few days later they officially withdrew from the 1997 Formula One World Championship.

Seriously, don't vote on this car. It's a piece of crap.

'Piece of crap' is harsh. Within its class? Undoubtedly. This is a terrible Formula One car, and I mean terrible, which was actually MasterCard's fault because they pressured Lola into entering a year early then had the nerve withdrew their backing when they realised how guff the car was when it was their insistence in the first place! This left Lola on the verge of bankruptcy.

But as a machine? Well, it's about as good as a 1995 F3000 car. That's still an open-wheel race car with a 600hp Ford EC V8 engine. Hardly a rickety old horse & wagon with a broken axle.

And I love the livery.

 

[Bo]

Seriously, don't vote on this car. It's a piece of crap.

You posted a suggestion thread out of your own will, and the decide to actively encourage everyone to not vote for it like their lives depend on it? You've really lost me.

 

[GTRacer22]

F1 team: $5,000,000. Driver apparel: $20,000. Nearly going bankrupt: Priceless.