The only private LMP1 in the field is unlikely to keep up with the insane pace set by the five factory cars (two Porsches, three Toyotas) fueled by their powerful hybrid systems. In theory, only a succession of retirements could eventually pave the way to a podium finish…provided the team keeps at bay the horde of LMP2s, reinvigorated this past winter with an additional 100 hp! Dominik Kraihamer, one of the three drivers of the ENSO CLM P1/01: "The LMP2s are faster than we are in the straights! But I think we'll be more consistent over the long stints, enough to stay in the game."

Whatever the final result, the Austrians are already looking beyond 2017, a year of transition. In 2018, they will be joined by other craftsmen-constructors like Ginetta and Dallara (associated with BR Engineering). So they need to take advantage of this "free" edition to optimize the ENSO CLM P1/01 chassis and ensure the reliability of the V6 twin turbo Nissan that powered the GT-R LM Nismo in 2015. To that end, the team has brought on Marco Bonanomi, ex-Audi driver in endurance. "We found areas for improvement during Test Day, but time is of the essence and we will not have too many Wednesday and Thursday testing sessions to address them," explained the Italian driver this past Monday at Scrutineering. "The good news is our reliability seems to have vastly improved since our last race at Spa-Francorchamps back in May."

The result at the second round of the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) in the Belgian Ardennes should be a source of confidence for ByKOLLES Racing Team, with sixth place overall, behind the five non-hybrid prototypes entered by Toyota and Porsche.

Without a true rival, ByKOLLES Racing Team doesn't have much to lose this week, but indeed a lot to gain…

PHOTO: The CLM P1/01 at Test Day.