Photo : Jean-René ROGER - ACO/Nikon

Presented at the last Paris Motor Show, the "prototype-school" of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, developed by Sora Composites and Pescarolo, is not without benefits on the track.

"I already had the chance to do an ACO internship with Lotus, but now the landmarks are totally different. "These are the first impressions of Jean-Romain Py, the boss's son Sora Composites, after a few laps of the Bugatti circuit. The raucous V8 Corvette prototype that gives a very special sound. Engine mapping provides four power levels (200, 250, 300 and 360 hp), "we can already provide trainees with performance of the key lowest power, says Vincent Hair, test driver of these machines, given this year in Formula Le Mans. And the Corvette V8, it's an instantly recognizable sound. "

Tinseau (nine appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the last three with Pescarolo Sport) and Vincent Capillaire ensured the development of this prototype school, designed in a record time of eighteen months. "We've all done 4000 km of testing says Tinseau. "The aim is to present what is a prototype. And we got a car that is quick and efficient. It gives an impression of power thanks to the 6.2-litre engine, which offers plenty of torque that takes it to 235 km/h on the pit straight. As another benchmark, the best lap of this car is 1'35'', about five seconds from an LM P2 prototype. "

Both the gentleman-driver and the young professional can benefit. The purpose of this program is twofold: to provide experience in driving a prototype for enthusiasts and budding endurance drivers who intend to enter the discipline, as part of a real team through LM P1, LM P2 Formula Le Mans and ACO prototype school," summarised Tinseau. "With this prototype, I feel that we are creating something new," says Jean-Romain Py. A competitive car (including the use of carbon components) suitable for a driving school, which responds perfectly to the requirements of Le Mans (and its heritage with a chassis born in Henri Pescarolo, four-time winner of 24 Hours ) and also suits the Bugatti circuit. In the meantime, who knows, you may find it on the big circuit of the 24 Hours? "The decision comes down to the ACO of course, but to see this car as a curtain raiser Le Mans Series or 24 Hours would be a great pleasure," smiled Jean-Romain Py.

To learn more about this prototype school, click here.

Jean-Philippe Doret