6H Silverstone : The ORECA 03 back to racing…

After Sebring, Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans, the teams entered in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the ORECA 03 continue their world tour. ADR-Delta, Pecom Racing and Signatech-Nissan, with two cars, will participate in the 6 Hours of Silverstone. These three will be joined by European Le Mans Series regulars Murphy Prototypes. Together, they hope to continue the string of podium finishes garnered since the start of the season.

Two months after the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the FIA-WEC returns to action. For the ORECA 03 as well, it’s back to business. A month after the 6 Hours of Donington, where Thiriet by TDS Racing and Murphy Prototypes finished second and third respectively, it’s once again on British soil that the competition will take place, this time at the Grand Prix circuit of Silverstone – a track where ORECA cars had a podium finish last year. Since, the ORECA 03 has experienced an evolution all the while maintaining the spirit of the LMP2 class. In fact, when the design team worked on the 2012 configuration of the car last winter, the Silverstone circuit, comprised of fast corners requiring a good amount of downforce, was taken into account. Engineers at the Signes workshops wanted to improve the car’s performance on this particular track.

ADR-Delta, Pecom Racing, Signatech-Nissan and Murphy Prototypes will have their chance to see the progress made keeping in mind one goal : continue the series of podium finishes this year for ORECA chassis. For this, several parameters will have to be managed : traffic – with few straights, weather – often unpredictable, and the changes in handling on the famous succession of corners, such as Becketts. The competition will be tough as the LMP2 class is well represented with no less than 15 cars from five different manufacturers competiting.

ADR-Delta aims for the win!
The highest ranked ORECA-running team, ADR-Delta currently sits second in the LMP2 championship standings with 61 points. The British team, making their debut in endurance racing, have already claimed a podium finish this year, at Spa, and two pole positions, including at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In keeping with continuity from La Sarthe, John Martin and Tor Graves will be joined by Jan Charouz, Le Mans Series champion in 2009 and reserve F1 driver. The Czech driver brings his speed and experience to a team whose objective is clear : win.

Pecom Racing looking for a podium finish…
Third in the FIA-WEC classification after the 12 Hours of Sebring, and coming off a podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Pecom Racing returns to the top 3 LMP2 runners with 59 points. The Argentine team has the added advantage of running a double program this year. Regular drivers Luis Perez Companc, Pierre Kaffer and Soheil Ayari return to share the No. 49 ORECA. With the championship points difference so little, Silverstone could be a game changer.

Double the chances for Signatech-Nissan
Reigning Intercontinental Le Mans Cup champions, Signatech Nissan will be relying on two ORECA 03 this weekend. Only one car will be eligible to score team championship points, the No. 23 driven by Jordan Tresson, Franck Mailleux and Olivier Lombard. After a tough start to the season, the French team is looking to reverse fortunes and score their first podium in 2012. After debuting at Spa, the No. 26 had a solid fourth place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and drivers Pierre Ragues, Nelson Panciatici (winner of the Prix Jean Rondeau at Le Mans) and Roman Rusinov enter this race with good momentum.

Murphy Prototypes, invitees who want to win !
Entered in European Le Mans Series for the complete season, Murphy Prototypes first raced in the FIA-WEC during the 6 Hours of Spa last May. The Irish team shined brightly during the race, leading consistantly and finishing third. After a good showing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and another third place finish at the 6 Hours of Donington, Greg Murphy’s team will make an appearance at the 6 Hours of Silverstone. The No. 48 ORECA 03 will once again be driven by Jody Firth, Warren Hughes and Brendon Hartley. A talented driving squad that could pull one out of the hat..

The first practice session for the 6 Hours of Silverstone will be on Friday, August 24, at 11 :30am (local time), then again at 4pm. After final practice on Saturday, August 25, at 11am, qualifying for prototypes will be held at 2 :50pm. The start of the 6 Hours of Silverstone will be given at noon on Sunday, August 26. News and photos available on our social media pages : Facebook.com/Oreca.fr and Twitter.com/Oreca.