Photo : Copyright - Oreca

 

In the 21st century, it is no longer enough to finish races in order to claim a podium finish, which is why ORECA's research team has sought to focus on performance with reduced weight and refined aerodynamics, as evidenced in its lines. The ORECA 05 combines strength - including anti-intrusion panels and a rear crash-box which are not mandatory on an LM P2 prototype - with innovation, utilizing proven designs to minimize concerns young drivers have about any new car.

The ORECA engineers also considered the new regulations which will go into effect in 2017. To spread the investment over several years, the closed car will be easily convertible, respecting the philosophy of a class in which budgeting plays a major role for private outfits.

Lastly, as the class is primarily reserved for amateur drivers, ORECA listened to its clients' comments about its first creation, the 03, in order to make changes and make driving the car more enjoyable.

All these elements compelled two teams to acquire a car that will race for the first time in early March. Indeed, KCMG in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), and Thiriet by TDS Racing in the European Le Mans Series, will each enter an ORECA 05. The latter will actually come across its big sister since four 03s will race in the ELMS and two have been invited to the 83rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

ORECA's goals - as it is also in charge of the operation of the Toyota TS040 Hybrids and the design of the Rebellion Racing R-Ones and Alpines - are clear, as explained by ORECA's Technical Director, David Floury: "The ORECA 05 fits into the line of ORECA's strategy of development as a manufacturer with an operational plan spread over many years. The ORECA 03 has been so successful and its history has not come to an end yet. The aim is for the ORECA 05 to maintain that momentum…and to win Le Mans. We’re on a mission! This is an ambitious programme, on all levels, but Le Mans is clearly a priority for us, just like the USA in early 2016."

The U.S. has its own place in the history of the company founded and managed by Hugues de Chaunac - with a win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2000 with the famous Viper and another at the 2011 12 Hours of Sebring. The ORECA 05 will not be seen overseas right away given that it is in Europe, at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Castellet, that it will make its debut on the track during the official tests of the beginning of the ELMS season (March 23-24) and the FIA WEC (March 27-28).

Cécile Bonardel / ACO (quotation from Oreca communication) - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO