Update on Lola’s LMP offering for 2010
The newly titled B10/60 LMP1 Coupe sees significant upgrades in both mechanical and aerodynamic areas. The Lola LMP cars are set to race on both sides of the Atlantic in 2010, as well as at the 78th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.
After winning both LMP1 and LMP2 Le Mans Series constructors titles in 2009, Lola has continued to invest in and further develop its capabilities to ensure that the LMP designs have a major advancement in pace for the new racing season.
As well as perpetual upgrading in CFD and wind tunnel facilities, Lola has also seen key investment in its assembly and office areas as well as taking on extra technical staff to bolster its already renowned design office.
Lola has been a clear market leader in recent sports car history with 60 LMP designs having been sold since 1999. With flexibility in technical and commercial strategies, Lola continues its dedicated support to all its teams.
Lola Cars Managing Director Robin Brundle will be interviewed on the Autosport Main Stage at 1:30 p.m. (local) on Thursday afternoon, along with Lord Paul Drayson from Drayson Racing and Guy Smith from Dyson Racing.
More details, including a Q&A with Chief Engineer Julian Sole, are available at lolacars.com.
AUTOCON HAPPENINGS: Autocon Motorsports team owner Michael Lewis spoke to lolacars.com about the team’s 2010 LMP campaign with its Lola B06/10-AER. Here are a couple of snippets:
Will Bryan Willman and Tony Burgess be part of the driving squad again this year?
“Yes, Bryan and Tony will be back and I hope to finalize a third driver as soon as this week. I think that Bryan was the most improved driver in ALMS last year and is looking to build on that this season. Tony is very quick and just needs the laps to build consistency through an entire stint."
What is it about the Lola LMP1 that you like the most?
“The ‘sweet spot’ is very large and consistent once you establish what you’re looking for. That’s important for a team comprised of guys who don’t get a lot of seat time. The car needs to be consistent and forgiving, yet quick when called upon. The Lola fits that bill better than anything else we’ve ever had. Also, the factory support (even though we bought the car from private party) is outstanding and that is invaluable to a small team with limited engineering resource."
The American Le Mans Series will open its 12th season with America’s greatest sports car race, the 58th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida from March 17-20. The green flag will fall at 10:35 a.m. on Saturday, March 20 with live coverage on SPEED.
The annual American Le Mans Series Winter Test is scheduled for February 22-23, also at Sebring International Raceway.
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