Lola says its Formula 1 project remains ready to go even though it did not get an entry for the 2010 world championship.
The Huntingdon racing car constructor was among those passed over in favour of US F1, Campos and Manor when the original 2010 entry process closed, but Lola owner Martin Birrane said his company could quickly revive its F1 design if an opportunity arose - perhaps in 2011.
"We remain in a state of readiness to re-enter Formula 1," said Birrane.
"During 2010 it can be reactivated very quickly indeed.
"We have the model and base data, production and project plans, a completed chassis bonding jig.
"We have also kept on some key personnel that were hired for the original plan.
“Should the opening arise, then Lola is the only company who can fill a space on the grid very quickly with a well designed and competitive F1 car.
"For 2011, the F1 team personnel cap of 280 will come in to force.
"We certainly welcome that as it fits almost perfectly with the current operation we have in Huntingdon."
He is confident that if Lola had been given an entry it would easily have been ready in time.
"We would most certainly have had a car testing in December 2009," said Birrane.
Lola has been involved in a variety of F1 programmes through its long history, generally designing cars for customers - including Honda in the 1960s.
Its last attempt to enter F1 in 1997 proved disastrous, and the firm only survived when new owner Birrane stepped up in secure its future.
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