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OAK Racing develops its manufacturer capabilities

with a new base in Le Mans

By Franck Drui

25 August 2010 - 09:49

OAK Racing has developed its activity as a manufacturer by putting in place the necessary infrastructure, including the installation of a new base in Le Mans and the creation of a design office.

Although OAK Racing will retain its factory in Magny-Cours, the team has opted to have a presence at the Le Mans Technoparc because, according to team President Jacques Nicolet, “to be as close as possible to the main event of our sporting programme, the Le Mans 24 Hours, is a good strategy for the team.”

A design office was put together at the beginning of August and four engineers, all of whom have huge experience in the design of prototype cars, some from time spent at Pescarolo Sport, have been hired.

“My initial aim was always to become a manufacturer,” explained Jacques Nicolet. “The implementation of the new 2011 ACO rules offers an interesting opportunity which must not be missed. This is a turning point which meant it was necessary to move up a step. The next generation LMP1s will be very close to the current LMP2s and the new generation of LMP2 car is heading in the direction of cost reduction.

“We strongly believe in this ‘low cost’ concept for the class and we are developing a customer strategy in order to offer the new generation LMP2s to the market. Our 2010 Pescarolo chassis has demonstrated its reliability and performance on a regular basis and is the ideal base for the new LMP2 and LMP1 cars. In fact work has already begun! For the LMP2, the design office has started to adapt parts with our suppliers in order to reach the cost reductions expected. The 2011 LMP2 will not be dedicated to one specific engine supplier but will be able to run on any type of powerplant.

“For the LMP1 car, we have started to adapt the current LMP2 chassis. Specific work has been done on the drive trains and the aerodynamic works has also started.”

OAK Racing will also continue its racing activities and will enter at least one LMP1 car for the seven round of the 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

“The 2010 season is far from over,” said General Manager François Sicard. “OAK Racing will compete in the three rounds of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup this year at Silverstone, Petit Le Mans and Zhuhai with two LMP2s in the USA and probably one in China due to the heavy logistics involved and the development tests we already have planned. We are also looking to conclude the Le Mans Series season on a high at the Silverstone 1000kms.”