Formula 3000's Japanese counterpart, known as Formula Nippon, reverted back to a one-make series after the bankruptcy of Reynard in 2002, prior to which it had been an open formula.

As of 2003 all Formula Nippon cars were Lola B03/50 chassis powered by the venerable Mugen-Honda MF 308 3-liter 8-cylinder powerplant. This formula remained in effect until 2006, when the B03/50 chassis were replaced by the Lola FN06 chassis.

The car offered here is a 2003 B03/51 chassis, which competed in the Formula Nippon series for three years, consequently being updated to 2005 specifications. This car was campaigned under the Nakajima Racing banner, sponsored by PIAA, and driven by the German André Lotterer. Lotterer has notably gone on to become a works Audi Sport driver, winning the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans and finishing 2nd for Audi in the 2010 classic.

This car, with Lotterer aboard, achieved great success in Formula Nippon. 2003 saw a pole position at Sugo a