LMP Teams In Pre Le Mans Testing

LMP teams have been testing across Europe ahead of next weekend’s Le Mans 24 Hours Test Day.

Spa Francorchamps

Toyota Racing have confirmed that their nominated reserve driver Kamui Kobayashi tested with the team at Spa though the team expect Kazuki Nakajima to be fit for the Le Mans Test and race, subject to a check with the FIA doctor due next Friday. Most of the Toyota drivers (including Nakajima) missed the test as they were attending a pre-Le Mans fitness camp in Italy.

Toyota will be aiming for a trouble-free run at Le Mans, reliability is, they believe, a potential trump card for the team, the Le Mans euro kit will see an improvement in their pace but the Cologne based squad are convinced that an overall power deficit to the Audi and Porsche teams is their biggest issue.

Strakka Racing undertook their first in-season test with the #42 Dome Nissan shod on Dunlop tyres. Ahead of an official announcement the car ran without either tyre company stickers and on tyres that were entirely unbranded. It seems nobody noticed!

G-Drive tested at Spa too whilst Oak Racing shook down the new #34 HPD engined Ligier JS P2 (below) that will be driven at Le Mans by the keenly anticipated driving squad of Kevin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor and Chris Cumming.

Chris Cumming: “Of course, we still have a lot of things to learn but our first test has been very positive. Last year, I have had the opportunity to do a few laps with the Ligier JS P2 in the United States and it’s a real pleasure to get back behind the wheel of this car, especially in the perspective of taking part in my first Le Mans 24 Hours! The car drives very well. These tests gave us an ideal opportunity before coming to Le Mans to run it in all kinds of different conditions: in the wet, in the dry, in between the two, as well as at night. I get on very well with my team-mates and the guys in the team and we form a good crew. I can’t wait to be at Le Mans next weekend for the Test Day to race on this legendary circuit.”

Kevin Estre: “I really enjoyed myself at the wheel of the Ligier JS P2. I needed a little time to adapt as driving an LM P2 is pretty different to the GTs that I’m used to racing. The carbon brakes, the aerodynamics, steering and the precision of the front drive-train are all things that I have to learn to master. But I’m finding it easy to adapt. I found my marks quickly and I improved as I racked up the laps and the sessions unfolded. Unfortunately, I won’t be at the Test Day, but even if I’ve never taken part in the Le Mans 24 Hours I know the circuit as I raced on it in one of the curtain-raisers last year. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of the Ligier JS P2 and compete in this legendary race!”

Laurens Vanthoor: “These tests helped me to get to know the team and the Ligier JS P2 and we’re learning to work together. It all went off well even if I need a little time to get used to driving this new car and to gain a better understanding of it, in particular with the turbo engine as it’s my first -me with this kind of motor. Racing at Le Mans will be very different from Spa and Magny Cours so we have to continue learning as much as possible before the race itself. I’m very happy with the relationship with my team-mates Kevin Estre, who I already know, and Chris Cumming who I met for the first time. They’re serious guys; we get on well together and I think we’ll make a great driver line-up. We’ve all got work to do and a lot to learn, but I find that our debut is very positive.”

Motorland Aragon

Audi were due to test throughout this week. As is often the case there is no news to report on that test!

Paul Ricard

Rebellion Racing shook down both of their newly re-engined R-One AERs yesterday and today at Paul Ricard with the metallic red #13 on track yesterday, joined by the currently all over white #12 today.