Highcroft 2011 plans still up in air

New 2.8-liter HPD turbo V6. One has to wonder what similarities it will have to Honda's 2.4 liter (now 2.2 liter) turbo V6 for IndyCars

Despite being the official test team for the new 2.8 liter turbo V6 ALMS LMP1 powerplant for Honda Performance Development, the Patron Highcroft team still does not know what is happening for 2011.

Speaking to Autosport, team owner Duncan Dayton said, "We are very excited about the new LMP1 car that HPD have the team at Wirth Research working on," Dayton said. "We're still waiting on final word regarding the program, but it is certainly our desire to defend our championship crown with an LMP1 entry with David Brabham, Simon Pagenaud and Marino Franchitti as part of our driving squad.

"We are also very keen to return to Le Mans. We earned automatic entries with our championship win and class victory at Petit Le Mans and I know HPD would be very eager to take the new ARX-01e to France.

"The ACO are working hard on improving the balance between the diesel-powered machines and gasoline cars like the HPD – that makes the Le Mans opportunity even more appealing."