Photo : - Oak Racing

Recovered from his injuries, Matthieu Lahaye resumes his place behind the wheel of the #15 at Silverstone, where the team will welcome a newcomer, Olivier Pla in the LM P1 #24.

After an encouraging showing at Italian venue Imola OAK Racing is now preparing for the 6 Hours of Silverstone, which takes place at the historic British circuit on 11 September. The team is currently in Barcelona for two days of testing. They will use their time at the Spanish track to confirm the modifications implemented after Imola and focus on set-up work ahead of Silverstone.

The test sessions mark the return of Matthieu Lahaye behind the wheel of the LM P1 #15. The Rennes-born driver will compete in the 6 Hours of Silverstone with his two regular team-mates, Guillaume Moreau and Pierre Ragues

The Barcelona test will also see the arrival of Toulouse native Pla, who joins OAK Racing for the 6 Hours of Silverstone. He will complete the three-man crew of the #24 LM P1 machine alongside Nicolet and Prémat, who showed impressive pace at Imola aboard the #49 LM P2 entry.

François Sicard, Directeur Général de l’écurie : “We are delighted to welcome back Matthieu. He has remained closely involved with the team during his recovery. Having been our driver and, more importantly, a member of the OAK Racing adventure since the beginning, we welcome him back with great happiness. He returns in great physical shape, very determined to succeed and in fine spirits. Between the performance levels shown at Imola and the #15 having its original crew back together I believe that Silverstone can confirm the potential we have displayed all season.”

Matthieu Lahaye, driver : “I worked with the physios until earlier this month and I have recently come back from the Pyrenees where I started a daily fitness regime with my trainer. The first objective was to allow the fractures to heal, then to return to a good physical condition. I am now ready to get back into the car for the Barcelona tests and, if all goes well, for the 6 Hours of Silverstone. For sure I am very happy with this and I am itching to get back into action! I cannot wait to be back with Guillaume and Pierre and to finish the season strongly.”

Olivier Pla, pilote : “I would like to thank Jacques Nicolet and OAK Racing for this opportunity, I’m approaching the race with caution as I will need to get to know the team and the car, but I’m raring to get going. The timing of the Barcelona test is fantastic and will allow me to have time to adapt and find my marks. I can’t wait to get to Silverstone and to give it my all!”

Julien Hergault – Source: Oak Racing press information

Photo : SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (BELGIUM), 1000 KM OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, 5 MAY 2011. Matthieu Lahaye (centre) with team-mate Guillaume Moreau.