Oreca, two shock duos for victory

2009 marked the grand debut of the Audi R8 LMS in various GT championships. For its first season, the Ingolstadt staff had entrusted its new “bomb” to hand-picked teams, the latter having the mission of developing the car before marketing it in 2010. In France, this honor returned to the Oreca team, with more than convincing results, as confirmed by the honor roll of the 3 French GT2009 championship: three victories and two poles.

In 2010, GT3 became the premier category of the FFSA Super Series following the disappearance of GT1. The Oreca team is leaving again for a season with Audi, but this time with two cars, and will try to add a third French GT championship title after those acquired in 3 (Ayari-Hernandez, already) and 2006 (Ayari- Narac), at the time of the Saleen S2007-R. But the challenge promises to be very difficult, as team manager Michel Raffaelli confirms:

“We are very impressed by the technical level and the level of the A drivers. There are 10 to 12 cars capable of winning this championship. 2009 was a year of discovery, this season we will have more pressure. With the added pressure due to the involvement of Audi France, it will be tough! The car is 85% new. We drove very little and with only one car... Our crews know each other well, that's an advantage. The Ayari Hernandez duo is pumped up and the Ortelli-Hallyday duo is capable of winning races. The competition will be tough, especially the four other Audi R8s. We must hope that the debate on weight does not handicap us too much. From the outset, we will have to ride heavier than in 2009 and if we win at Nogaro, we will have to carry 220 kg for Lédenon. Not easy... Our first objective will be to be in front of the other R8s and then, the title of course..."

With a Soheil Ayari-Bruno Hernandez pair winning in 2006, a Stéphane Ortelli-David Hallyday duo having demonstrated excellent complementarity last year, and a most formidable mount, the Var team has all the cards in hand to shine in the French GT3 championship.

Find the full report of the Easter Cups, the first 2010 meeting of the FFSA Super Series, in your AUTOhebdo magazine on newsstands next Wednesday.