SMP unveils its BR1 in Bahrain, Dragonspeed first buyer

The BR1 developed by Dallara and SMP Racing was unveiled this evening in the paddock of the 6 Hours of Bahrain, the finale of the 2017 season of WEC. This private LMP1 will face the Ginetta LMP1 and the Toyota RS050 Hybrid starting next year during the “Super Season” extended over two years.

On this occasion, the sale of a model powered by Gibson with the new GL458 4,5l block was confirmed to the Dragonspeed team, reigning champion of theELMS with Léo Roussel and Memo Rojas (as well as Ryo Hirakawa who missed two races, replaced by Nicolas Minassian). The American team intends, alongside its commitment to the premier category of the WEC, to remain in ELMS with its Oreca 07.

“Having studied the various options for LMP1, we concluded that the combination of the new BR1 chassis and the Gibson V8 would give Dragonspeed the best opportunity for competitive success., comments Elton Julian, the owner of the stable. We expect the car and engine to be delivered on time ahead of Prologue testing in April before continuing testing at Spa in May. We have no illusions about the height of the challenge. This is precisely why we are taking a step forward. »

On the sidelines of the presentation of the BR1 in the paddock of the 6 Hours of Bahrain, AER unveiled the P60B which will equip the two LMP1s entered by SMP during the WEC “Super Season”. This twin-turbo V6 was designed on the basis of the V6 GDI P60 which equipped Rebellion Racing when the Swiss team competed in the premier category in 2015 and 2016.

“AER's LMP1 engine has been in constant development since its launch in 2013, explains Mark Ellis, the engine manufacturer’s technical director. The specific developments we have been working on since last January represent significant progress. The P60B marks a real evolution in terms of performance and reliability which are essential to achieve success in Endurance."