Alex Brundle was behind the wheel of Onroak Automotive’s new LMP2 challenger – the Ligier JS P2 – last week as it was shaken down for the first time on the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans; the Nissan-powered car managing 60 trouble-free laps on its Dunlop tyres over the course of the day.
“The first feeling is good in terms of driver comfort, a lot better than I expected,” said Brundle. “The visibility is always an issue in closed cars, but I’m happy to say that in ours it isn’t too bad at all, a lot better than expected. We ran quick stints today with good tyres with very few problems. Of course, there are some things to be refined and honed: overall the car is very good.
“I have every confidence in the job done by the team and I would like to thank them very much for their hard work putting it all together. We have a full testing programme in place before the car debuts and we have to explore every avenue. I’m happy with the overall feeling and confident so far, although we still have a way to go. The base is good and we can work from that.”
Olivier Pla will take over the bulk of the development work ahead of the car’s debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.
“I’m very happy and very impressed by the quality of the work carried out by all the Onroak Automotive teams,” said Onroak owner Jacques Nicolet. “The Ligier JS P2 was able to cover some sixty laps without problems.
“This is very satisfactory as it will enable us to devote ourselves to setting up the car without pressure. It’s obvious that the JS P2’s quick out of the box and for the moment that’s the essential thing. A big bravo to all those who have been involved in this project either closely or from afar!”
All images ©OAK Racing
