Honda discusses with possible partners

Honda, which wants to become more involved in endurance, could be the next rival of Audi and Peugeot in LMP1. The Japanese manufacturer is currently discussing with various possible partners.

Published on 14/01/2011 à 17:48

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Honda Performance Development, after triumphing at Le Mans in LMP2 in 2010, wishes to continue its progress in endurance. The LMP2 project, with the new ARX-01d, remains of major interest for Honda, which relies heavily on its partner, Wirth Research. The company, also involved in F1 with Marussia Virgin Racing, is therefore leading HPD's two projects, in LMP1 and LMP2.

“The ARX-01d project is on track and on schedule. The car will make its first tests on the track very soon! », Explains Nick Wirth, boss of Wirth Research, to lemans.org, about MP2. “The 2011 regulations required the development of a new turbo V6 from a production Honda unit for the LM P2 category. »

But Honda and Wirth Research are also aiming for the higher category, after racing in LMP1 in 2009, in American Le Mans Series, with the ARX-01c. “The ARX-01e is a new LM P1. It represents a big step forward compared to the ARX-01c in many areas. »

Compared to the 2 LMP2010, the basis of this new car, Wirth Research has changed many things. “The ARC-01e has a different transmission, new suspension, new wheels, and a completely new body. The car is optimized for Le Mans. We chose a coupe because it is the fastest configuration for the Le Mans circuit. Additionally, the 8-liter V3,4 engine has been re-tuned for use in LM P1. »

However, very little information filters out on the arrival in competition of this ARX-01e. “It’s not clear yet. However, we believe that those who engage this car will be very satisfied with its performance? a major milestone has been reached compared to the ARX-01c which was already very competitive. » There is also uncertainty over the names of the teams that can use the Honda ARX- developed by Wirth Research. “At the moment, HPD is discussing with a number of potential partners? », Explains Nick Wirth without further details.

For Wirth Research, the goal of this double LMP1 project? LMP2 is very clear: “Our goal is to continue to improve our products and our technical support. We hope our customers win in both categories, and around the world. »