The Thiriet by TDS team opted to sell it’s new for 2014 Ligier coupe after a disappointing run of unreliability in the latter part of 2014.
The team has now revealed the not altogether surprising decision that they have opted to return to the Oreca fold in 2015, with an order confirmed for a new 05 Coupe to contest the 2015 ELMS and a hoped for Le Mans 24 Hours place too (the team looking for a fourth consecutive appearance).
The TDS Racing team started in Endurance in 2011 with the Oreca Group. The TDS/ Oreca combination took six race wins, two European Le Mans Series titles in 2012, a vice champion title in 2013 as well as the 2nd place in LM P2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2012 before the team switched to a Morgan LMP2 for the start of 2014, switching to the now departed Ligier from Le Mans.
The Thiriet by TDS Racing team will retain Nissan power and Dunlop tyres aboard their new Oreca 05. Ludovic Badey and Pierre Thiriet will return to the team for the season with a third driver still to be revealed.
Xavier Combet: “I am delighted to announce our collaboration with the Oreca Group. We will have the new prototype, the Oreca 05, for the whole European Le Mans Series season as well as for the 24 Hours of Le Mans if the Selection Committee honours us by accepting our entry.
“We know perfectly well it is a very new car but the technical qualities of Oreca are not to be proved anymore. Thanks to our good relationship and common successful past, I am sure victories are about to come.
“The Thiriet by TDS Racing team is honoured to once again rely on its technical partners which have been trusting the team since the beginning of its history in Endurance: Nissan as engine supplier and Dunlop for the tyres. We can also count on Pierre Thiriet’s loyalty and Ludovic Badey’s for our line-up! The third man will be announced soon!”
