PR from Lola below:
Lola LMP2 developments for 2009
Lola Cars International Ltd today reveal the 2009 development updates to its LMP2 Coupe sportscar, which will see significant performance gains for this already successful design.
During the winter Lola has sold more LMP cars more than any other constructor. The Lola designs are constantly evolving and for 2009 the LMP2 will see major revisions to the rear bodywork and undertray, developments that will give its customers significant performance gains. Lola engineers have also exploited a recent upgrade in its CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) capabilities, contributing greatly to the new look cars.
Commenting on the changes to the LMP2 design, Lola Managing Director, Robin Brundle said: “Our engineers in Huntingdon have been working tirelessly in the on-site 50% scale windtunnel, honing new and innovative aerodynamic designs for the LMP2. As a company we are determined to prove that our customer sportscars are the fastest and most reliable cars on the grid. 2009 will see the hard work come to fruition and add more success to the Lola brand’s rich heritage of winning in endurance racing.”
In the American Le Mans Series, Lola are supplying two cars to the Dyson Racing who will compete for the LMP2 crown with Mazda power. This combination got off to a flying start during the official pre season test at Sebring in Florida last week.
Chris Dyson, driver and Team Principal for the Dyson Racing team said: “I could not be happier to be behind the wheel of the latest Lola. The car is fundamentally very good and has a huge amount of potential. The engine is strong and the car’s feedback gives the driver a lot of confidence.”
In Europe, Paul Ricard will be the venue for the traditional pre-season Le Mans Series test on March 8-9. Lola are set to have 8 LMP cars in action this season in the 5 round series, three in LMP1 (2 x Aston Martin Racing entries as well as the Speedy Sebah B08/60 car) and five in LMP2 (2 for Racing Box and one entry each for RML, Kruse-Schiller and Speedy Sebah).
LOLA LMP1 2009 PRESS RELEASE
Lola will supply LMP1 sportscars to Aston Martin Racing for the 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours and Le Mans Series. The Huntingdon designed and built cars will be powered by a production based V12 Aston Martin engine and race in the evocative blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil.
For Lola, the Aston Martin LMP programme confirms yet another partnership with a major manufacturer, adding to previous collaborations with General Motors, Nissan and MG.
Martin Birrane, Executive Chairman of Lola Group commented: “Lola's first collaboration with Aston Martin was 40 years ago with John Surtees racing the iconic Lola T70 MkIIIB with an Aston Martin engine. I am very pleased that Lola and Aston Martin Racing are competing together again, as the joining of these two great brands in 2008 proved to be very effective. I am hopeful that this partnership will be even more successful during the 2009 season".It has become evident that Lola sportscars are the design to have in global endurance competition. This season Lola will build on the success of 2008, which saw the Lola LMP1 Coupe score notable results at the Barcelona 1000kms with a debut podium finish, as well as an excellent 2nd place at the Silverstone Le Mans Series race. At the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Charouz entered Lola out-qualified one of the Audi R10 diesel entries and then went on to set the fastest lap of the race for a petrol engined car.
2009 will be a bumper year for Lola in all categories of endurance sportscar racing. Last year the Le Mans 24 Hours saw the Huntingdon constructor field the most cars on the grid. It was the largest entry for Lola since 1979. For this season Lola has high hopes that this particular record can be beaten with yet more LMP cars starting the worlds greatest race.
The 77th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours take place over the weekend of 13-14 June.
