Another of the eye catching brand new Lola B05/40 LMP2 sportscars was shaken down at Snetterton last week ahead of the European season beginning at Spa Francorchamps on April 17.
The Chamberlain/Synergy car was put through its paces by experienced sportscar racers Bob Berridge and Peter Owen. Both drivers will be joined in the Le Mans Endurance Series and the world famous Le Mans 24 Hours by the teams joint owner - Gareth Evans.
Powered by the 2-litre AER 4 cylinder single turbo engine, Berridge had very favourable first impressions, saying; “It ran so well. I did about 60 laps, and even in traffic, I was down to a 63 second lap. We were just playing with it, but the AER is very powerful, and the car has got loads and loads of grip.”
Running reliably throughout the test, the B05/40 is the latest in a long line of successful sportscars that include race and championship winning cars like the B2K/40 and B01/60, both of which are still enjoying considerable achievements on the track.
The Chamberlain Synergy test was overseen by sportscar regular Hugh Chamberlain who has spearheaded Le Mans operations since the early 1980’s, including the Lola-MG LMP675 cars of 2001 and 2002. The next test for the Chamberlain Synergy car will be at Magny Cours on March 21-22.
Five of the B05/40 chassis have already been sold to customers with more of the distinctive Lola’s are set to be built during the year for further customers to compete in. Lola have refined and evolved the six speed manual sequential gearbox, which now fits in to a separate main case and bell housing.
The B05/40 also boasts a large range in aerodynamic range with high and low downforce wing assembly’s available for customers. The car also features two starter motors and a double battery system that will mean failsafe getaways from standing starts.
Two examples of the B05/40 will be in action at the Sebring 12 Hours this weekend with Intersport racing and Bill Binnie Motorsport challenging their rivals in the burgeoning LMP2 category.
Lola engineering support will be at trackside as the B05/40 races to add more silverware to the already impressive results that previous Lola sportscar models have acquired in the past.
