Photo : Dominique BREUGNOT - teamdbc-pictures.com

As previously announced, the Pescarolo Team has entered two cars for the next 24 Hours of Le Mans. The choice fell on two completely different cars; a Pescarolo 03, based on the late Aston Martin AMR1, and a closed prototype in association with Dome. Two drivers, Nicolas Minassian and Sebastien Bourdais, both former of Peugeot Sport, attended the unpacking of the car.

The Dome S102 was developed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2008 by the Japanese manufacturer that has devoted a large budget and a lot of time in design. Dome entered the prototype under its own name with a 100% Japanese crew, but although the white car showed its potential, the technical problems accumulated. Since 2008, the car has been on display in the lobby of Dome and Minoru Hayashi, the director, decided that the S 102 should be raced. Dome is a car manufacturer, it does not have a team that can operate the car, so he turned to Henri Pescarolo (see interview) and the Pescarolo Team.

The Japanese carmaker has (so far) no partnerships, having been burned in the past by financial disagreements. Dome decided to fully fund the program in 2012 with their own money and not seek any sponsors. Several practice sessions are scheduled so as not to repeat the mistakes of 2008 and two experienced drivers, both of whom have spent time before with the team of Henri Pescarolo, have already been announced: Nicolas Minassian and Sebastien Bourdais (in addition to his season in IndyCar). The third driver will be Japanese, as requested by Dome.

The Pescarolo Team took delivery of the car and parts yesterday at Le Mans. It should take the track next month before heading to Belgium for the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and get back to his base for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Cécile Bonardel

PHOTO LE MANS FRANCE, WORKSHOPS OF PESCAROLO TEAM 16th FEB 2012. Drivers Nicolas Minassian and Sebastien Bourdais look over the new delivery.