Lamera Cup – Stability for 2022, new features in 2023

The Lamera Cup 2022 calendar includes, like last year, seven French and European meetings. Last August, the championship inaugurated, in Jerez, a race of 30 hours plus one lap, the longest event ever organized in the Lamera Cup. An XXL format set to become the standard for each season’s “event” race. “ We will organize a new race of 30 hours and 1 lap in Portimão. We already came to this circuit in 2019 for a 24-hour event. It's a circuit F1 with a very interesting route and fabulous infrastructure, therefore a rewarding destination for our drivers », explains Wilfried Merafina, organizer of the Lamera Cup. Magny-Cours will host the inaugural round of the season, on April 2 and 3. Misano (Italy, April 30 and 1^er May), Nogaro (June 4 and 5), Le Castellet (July 9 and 10), Portimão (Portugal, September 10 and 11), Valencia (Spain, 1^er and October 2) and Dijon (October 21 and 22).

• Pneumatic developments

The discipline remains open to drivers of all levels – experienced, gentlemen drivers and complete beginners. In the interest of cost stability, the definition of the Lamera is identical to last year: tubular chassis, 5 hp Ford 330-cylinder turbo engine, 6-speed sequential gearbox, power steering, 970 kg empty... If new Larger mirrors are announced to improve visibility, an evolution should be noted on the tire side. The Lamera Cups remain shod with Continental series tires. But the German manufacturer, partner of the championship since its launch in 2012, will provide its brand new SportContact 7. To develop it, Continental took into account the specificities of the Lamera. “ Compared to the SportContact 6, we are 1”3 faster in Dijon. Lateral grip and braking stability are better and endurance should increase by 15%. In a 30-hour race, we should therefore consume as many tires as in the 24-hour races of previous years. »

• V6 and biofuels in 2023

The next few months will be used to prepare the changes made for 2023. Starting with the integration of a new engine. It will be a twin-turbo V6, still supplied by Ford, which should provide more driving comfort. Its power has not yet been finalized but it will be higher than the current 5-cylinder. Above all, this engine can be powered by standard fuels as well as biofuels. “ We want to initiate an eco-responsible approach. The use of biofuel is a first step, immediately achievable and economically relevant », specifies Wilfried Merafina. For the second year in a row, the organizer notes that the off-season is punctuated by more information from teams and drivers outside the championship. This resulted in the construction of five chassis this winter. A sixth has already been ordered for the 2023 season.

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