2012 season review and 2013 prospectives for ORECA prototypes

Prototype manufacturer since 2009, ORECA has had a presence in two classes since 2011 : in LM P2 with the ORECA 03 and LM PC with the ORECA-FLM 09. David Floury, Technical Director at ORECA Group, takes a look at this past season, marked by numerous successes in LM P2 and exciting LM PC races in American Le Mans Series. He also looks ahead to 2013…

David, as ORECA Technical Director, how do you view the results of the 2012 season ?
« With second and third place in the LM P2 Trophy in the FIA World Endurance Championship, all the titles in the European Le Mans Series and two of three podium spots at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, we are quite happy. Of course, we always want to do even better. Concerning outright performance, the chassis confirmed their level of competition from 2011. At the same time, the reliability was improved. We had a few issues last year and we wanted clear progress. A new level was reached in 2012 and that’s logically something that’s positive. »

How are preparations for 2013 coming along?
« The evolution to the cars is fixed by the rules, except for security and reliability. A kit is authorized, with a max cost of 35 000 €. Our priorities are defined with established workflows. After that, comes traditional steps : design, production, testing on track. As the outright performance is not in question, our objective is to optimize reliability while considering safety and budget constraints for teams. »

Does ORECA still like the LM P2 as much as before?
« Looking at the races of 2012, the answer is obvious. The level is very high, whether it be the different constructors present, the teams, or the drivers. We consistently saw very competitive events : LM P2 was definitely the most hotly contested class this year. This shows that the cost-cap is well founded. The ACO made the right decision, and that should be pointed out. It’s a very good category, and as constructor, ORECA is happy to be involved. »

What will be next year’s objectives?
« To win the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, both of which we missed out on this year. Since our arrival in LM P2, ORECA has always been on the podium at Le Mans, but never on the top step. We had several teams which could have done it, since three of the ORECA 03 chassis finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th ! One of our hopes is to see the ORECA 03 in the United States and in Asia. Keep in mind that for the American Le Mans Series, we are already organized for such a program since we manage the customer program in LM PC. »

One final question related to LM P2, what are the strengths of the ORECA 03 today ?
« It’s not an original answer, but it’s the package in general. In terms of pure performance, the ORECA 03 has consistently posted the quickest pace in races, and not only with one team. In the reliability corner, we’ve reached a good level, as the results show, whether it be races lasting 6, 12, or 24 hours. And finally, the ORECA 03 is also the customer racing program that surrounds the project. The service is now well established and teams can benefit from the know-how from a constructor and from a team and culture associated with it. Today, ORECA is a relatively unique model. »

Through its constructor activity, ORECA is also present in the LM PC class. What do you think about this class of racing in the United States ?
« In ALMS, the results are very positive. The on-track battles were fantastic and there were many entries. As with LM P2, the level of performance is quite impressive, for the teams and the drivers. The races are really superb and it’s by far the best cost/benefit ratio in endurance racing today. There’s a true feeder system in place as we can see with the teams and drivers who make a name for themselves. CORE Autosport is a very good example of this in the USA. »

And in Europe?
« Drivers like Mathias Beche, current ELMS champion, and Dominik Kraihamer are living proof of this « Formula Le Mans » generation. The LM PC allows teams and drivers to compete at a very high level, while maintaining an accessible budget. In Europe, 2013 will be a renewing of sorts and we will do everything to make sure LM PC takes cues from how it’s done across the Atlantic. This is why we are launching the Team Endurance Challenge, which is a ready-made formula. The LM PC class is also well suited for the Asian Le Mans Series, with teams that will want to discover Le Mans Prototype racing. It’s an ideal tool for doing just that. »

Will the ORECA-FLM 09 evolve?
« No, and there are several reasons for this : firstly because the LM PC class is a single-make category so outright performance is not a priority, secondly because the car has been proven and has reached a level of reliability that allows it to complete the 12 Hours of Sebring, a race that’s tougher than any testing bench. And finally, we want to keep the class affordable with a managed budget, therefore teams can keep their equipment and spare parts. We consulted with the teams, and they were involved in the decision process leading to the choice of keeping the same car for next year. »

In 2014, the ALMS and Grand-Am will be merging. What are your thoughts on this ?
« We don’t know all the aspects or details of the future rules and regulations, but the announcement that was made is very positive. They are currently two very interesting championships that will merge and form an even more impactful series. That’s good news and i twill serve to reinforce endurance racing in America. To have a championship that unites the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans is both magical and attractive. We are following the progress closely. »

News about the ORECA 03 and the ORECA FLM-09 can be found on our social media, Facebook.com/Oreca.fr and Twitter.com/Oreca.