As you’ll have read from our interview with Hugues de Chaunac earlier in the year 2014 is a big year for ORECA , with the Rebellion R One project now on track (The team has completed a successful three day Paul Ricard test since Spa) the next new kit to emerge is the 2014 upgrade for the ORECA 03 LMP2 car, dubbed 03R – designed to bridge a gap until the new 05 Coupe comes on stream next year.
It is the first performance-based upgrade for the 03, previous packages only permitted to assist with reliability.
The Oreca 03 has scored no less than 18 wins and 15 pole positions in all series combined over the last three and a half years of competition. The 03R consists of new aero package, notably with the front bodywork that has been modified to allow for new airflow over the front wheel cover, as well as a revised rear cover.
The first iteration is, of course the permitted “Le Mans” low drag configuration but there is a high downforce version to come for the remainder of the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series rounds.
“The ORECA 03 has proven its qualities and its reliable mechanical foundation,” explains David Floury, ORECA technical director.
“With the ORECA 03R, which benefits from a new homologation, we logically and necessarily brought evolutions in terms of the aerodynamics, according to the LM P2 rules – that’s to say with the willingness to adhere to a moderated budget for the teams. The clear goal is to take the next step in performance in accordance with the characteristics of Le Mans. These modifications take into consideration rules which were introduced after the ORECA 03 was homologated, such as the openings above the wheels. Overall, our objective was to refine the aerodynamics. There will also be other detail changes, but not immediately visible.’
“It’s an important day for all of the ORECA teams present at Le Mans,” admits Hugues de Chaunac.
“This Test Day has a lot of new going with it, whether it’s the REBELLION R-One or the ORECA 03R. As always, it’s a unique opportunity for our constructor department and our customer teams to gain as much information that is valid as much at Le Mans as it is for other future races. When you add our support to the TOYOTA Racing team, and our engine department working with seven of the eight chassis in LM P2, the day will be intense and enriching.”
That’s putting it mildly Hugues!
