New year, new project - JRM Racing graduate to LMP1
JRM Racing has announce that, having recently secured the 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship for drivers, JRM Racing will partner with Honda Performance Developments to enter the brand new FIA World Endurance Championship in the LMP1 class.
Following recent negotiations, JRM Racing will enter a single LMP1 Honda Performance Development ARX-03a.
Powered by a specially designed and tested 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine by Honda Performance Development in California, the ARX-03a is currently hailed as the most competitive petrol Le Mans Prototype around.
The Championship sees some of the greatest endurance racers around battle it out over eight-rounds on some of the best circuits on the globe including Spa, Sebring and the historic Le Mans 24hrs.
JRM Racing has said it wishes to run three drivers in the car and is aiming toannounce who has been selected by mid-January.
“After achieving success at the highest level of GT racing, we are now looking for a fresh challenge and we see competition in Endurance eventsas the next step for the team”, said JRM Group Executive Director James Rumsey.
“We have chosen the Honda as it’s a well-developed package and currently the most competitive of the petrol-engined LMP1 cars.”
The team makes no secret that it is looking to repeat the early success it achieved in GT racing. It will therefore embark on an extensive test schedule ahead of the first race of the season, which takes place at Sebring on 17th March.
Teams competing in the Endurance World Championship (WEC) must enter the Le Mans 24-Hours and applications to take part will be put forward for selection by the Endurance Commission. The classic event represents the third round of the Championshipand the opportunity to participate has had a bearing on the company’s decision towards its 2012 programmes, as Mr. Rumsey explains:
“Having Le Mans included in the calendar is a significant factor for us. It has always represented the pinnacle of motorsport achievement andtherefore, it’s been a goal of ours to compete since the company started racing two years ago. We therefore hope that our entry will be accepted this year.”
Although turning its attentions towards the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2012, JRM confirms that it will retain its strong and successful association with NISMO (Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd). It will continue as its official partner for the ongoing development and sales – in Europe, Russia and the Middle East - ofthe GT3 GT-R, which is due to be launched at Autosport International next week.
The company is also eager to point out that it would be pleased to enter the FIA GT1 World Championship for a third season if the right deal can be reached with a sponsor. Equally, JRM would be keen to provide a customer team with technical support and the benefit of its championship winning experience.
Further details about JRM Racing’s plans for 2012 will be announced during the next few weeks.
