New LMP1 Lola for full 2007 sportscar campaign

Lola Cars International today announce the beginning of a partnership with the Czech Republic based Charouz Racing Systems team for plans to race a B07/10 LMP1 sportscar in this seasons Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24 hours in June. The all-new project is scheduled to make its debut at the Paul Ricard test days on March 25. Charouz Racing Systems are one of Europe’s most prolific teams with programs in A1 GP, DTM, and Formula 3000.

Team principal and founder Antonin Charouz has also expressed the teams desire to compete in the final two American Le Mans Series races at Road Atlanta for the Petit Le Mans event and also at Laguna Seca for the season finale. The Charouz Racing Systems Lola B07/10 will feature new developments on the aerodynamic package and will be powered by a 5.5 liter Judd V10 engine made by Rugby based Engine Developments Ltd.

The car will run with Michelin tires. Jan Charouz, son of Antonin, has been selected as one of the team’s drivers. The 19 year old is the reigning F3000 Masters champion and brings with him good endurance experience already after impressing in last years Spa 24 Hours in a Saleen S7. Partnering Jan could be ex Prost F1 driver Tomas Enge and rising FIA GT star Jarek Janis, both of whom are managed by Antonin Charouz. Lola Cars have been busy over the last six months planning the evolution of the B06/10 that debuted at the Sebring 12 Hours last March.

The car was the only consistent threat to the Audi R10’s in the American Le Mans Series last season. The car also raced in the European LMS with 2005 LMP2 champions Chamberlain Synergy, who themselves return for another full European season in 2007. The B07/10 has undergone a significant aerodynamic upgrade to achieve sizeable performance gains at low and medium downforce tracks. The new evolution of the LMP1 car will also feature suspension and transmission changes to further enhance the cars durability in 12 and 24 hour races.

2007 SPORTSCAR CALENDARS
Le Mans Series 2007
25 – 26 March Testing – PAUL RICARD HTTT
13 – 15 April 1000KM OF MONZA
4 – 6 May 1000 KM OF VALENCIA
29 June – 1 July 1000 KM OF THE NÃœRBURGRING
17 – 19 August 1000KM OF SPA
14 – 16 September 1000 KM OF SILVERSTONE
9 – 11 November 1000 MILES OF INTERLAGOS
Le Mans 2007
Sunday June 3 Le Mans Test Day
June 16-17 Le Mans 24 Hours
ALMS 2007
March 17 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
March 31 St. Petersburg
April 14 Long Beach
April 21 Houston
May 19 Salt Lake City
July 7 Lime Rock Park
July 21 Mid-Ohio
August 11 Road America
August 26 Mosport
September 1 Detroit
October 6 Road Atlanta/Petit Le Mans
October 20 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca