24h Le Mans
Photo : Jean-René ROGER - ACO/Nikon
The idea seems crazy: a second chance for the Aston Martin LM P1 prototype whose lack of competitiveness eventually discouraged its creators. Yet Henri Pescarolo thinks he has found great qualities in this chassis ...
When was that?
Henri Pescarolo: "In September. I went to see David Richards (Director of Aston Martin) as soon as I knew he abandoned plans LM P1 to devote himself to GTE. I was impressed by its build quality. It is very modern with a high nose like that of the Audi R18 or the Peugeot 908."
What are the differences between the Aston Martin AMR-One and the Pescarolo 03?
"Aston Martin gave me the approval and license to use the tub. In other words, the Pescarolo logo replaces Aston Martin. We keep the tub in the identical state because it is approved by the ACO. We also keep the wide front wheels, suspension and presumably the gearbox. Everything else is completely overhauled. The car completely lacking in terms of aerodynamics and engine never worked. We revisited this body and I can already announce that, the outside of, the Pescarolo 03 will be 100% different from the AMR-One. As for the engine, we opted for the 3.4-litre Judd V8. Finally, we have a second car that will serve as a parts inventory."
Toyota and Audi will race prototypes with hybrid engines this season. Were these technologies accessible only to "major" manufacturers?
"Last year, Hope Racing proved that is not true. Companies like Williams and Flybrid are developing effective "customer" solutions. The Aston Martin AMR-One was designed to accommodate this type of system, so we are thinking seriously."
When will we see the Pescarolo 03 in track?
"The schedule looks very tight up to 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (WEC May 5, 2012) but we will do everything we can to be ready. I would have preferred to start this project earlier, but I expected to obtain financial certainty. Currently, the budget is not fully completed for the entire FIA World Endurance Championship. It's an amazing job!"
Who will drive this car?
"Jean-Christophe Bouillon will team up with Emmanuel Collard and Julien Jousse who was proven last year in my team."
You have invitations for two cars to the Le Mans 24 Hours (03 Pescarolo Judd and Dome S102 Judd) does this require you to recruit personnel?
"Of course, and this is already happening. This was part of the contract that I had with the General Council of Sarthe at the launch of Team Pescarolo for which I was supported financially."
Photo : TF1 STUDIO (BOULOGNE, FRANCE), ACO PRESS CONFERENCE, 2nd FEB 2012. Henri Pescarolo, more determined than ever !
Photos 2, 3 et 4 : Detail of the Aston Martin AMR-One, basis of the future Pescarolo 03.
