Construction of the REBELLION R-One on the right track
In June, the ORECA Group was chosen by REBELLION RACING to build the REBELLION R-One to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014. After the study phase, the design of the new Le Mans Prototype continues according to plan with each stage of the project following one another smoothly.
For ORECA’s Technology department, the last few months have been particularly productive. At Signes, in France, the design bureau’s construction of the REBELLION R-One is on the right track. In close collaboration with REBELLION Racing, the fabrication of the car’s principal elements was completed several weeks ago. The construction of the monocoque continues while the ensemble of technical providers have been selected for the project.
During a visit by driver Nicolas Prost in ORECA’s workshops, the driving position and cockpit ergonomics were also determined using the full-scale mock-up of the REBELLION R-One. One of the notable characteristics of the cockpit is the driving position on the left side, in order to facilitate visibility for the driver. Although the general aerodynamic package has been settled upon, the engineers continue to work to refine every detail on the REBELLION R-One.
“The design and build is going according to the plan that we set along with REBELLION Racing” explains Christophe Guibbal, design bureau director, and in charge of the R-One project at ORECA. “We haven’t run into any issues during this period, which is always a crucial part of a new car’s building process. The working relationship between REBELLION Racing and TMG, who are providing the engine, is excellent. The chassis block’s integration has been finalized and the fabrication of pieces needing the most time to complete has begun, starting with the molds. It’s an exciting time : we had the chance to explore several different paths and now we’re looking forward to taking the next step.”
“We are pleased that the project is on schedule” adds Bart Hayden, Team Manager REBELLION Racing. “Our engineers are working closely with the project team from ORECA and the drivers are already involved in validating elements of the design, as witnessed by interior ergonomics definition in the chassis mock-up. We are already making plans for the REBELLION Racing mechanics to be involved in the assembly of the cars in the new year and are targeting the first roll-out in the middle of March. It’s a tight schedule, but it is achievable and we are giving it our focus.”
“I am extremely pleased to be involved in the R-One project” admits Nicolas Prost, driver REBELLION Racing. “It’s really exciting to have been associated with the project from the first meeting. Being part of the development of a new car is technically very interesting and enjoyable to input some personal views and experiences from the design of some of the parts. On a more personal side, it is really nice to work again with ORECA with whom I raced my first 24 Heures of Le Mans in 2007 and earlier in Formula Renault.”
As the first closed prototype designed by ORECA, the REBELLION R-One LM P1 will complete its first laps during March 2014. REBELLION Racing will enter to cars in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2014, with a third chassis being built as a reserve.