Oreca also looking for victory in LMP2

The 24 Hours of Le Mans will be a real-world test for the ORECA 03 which could provide much experience. With Alexandre Prémat, David Hallyday and Dominik Kraihamer at the controls, Team ORECA-Matmut has fixed itself one goal: win the LMP2 class.

Since its start in competition, the ORECA 03 has shown its potential. Entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans by Team ORECA-Matmut alongside Signatech-Nissan and Race Performance, the Signes-designed and built prototype arrives at La Sarthe chasing class victory with drivers Alexandre Prémat, David Hallyday and Dominik Kraihamer.

Close to twelve months ago, the day after the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours, ORECA began the ORECA 03 study, destined for the LMP2 class. After months of work, the ORECA 01’s little sister – which finished 4th overall in the last Le Mans – came to life. Since then, she has scored three pole positions, and a win at the hands of TDS Racing at the 1000km of Spa. It’s on the heels of these good results that Team ORECA-Matmut enters these 24 Hours of Le Mans. In La Sarthe, there will be multiple objectives as Hugues de Chaunac points out: “The first will be to develop the best product for the future. Le Mans will allow us to learn a lot. Our only desire is to provide the teams running ORECA prototypes with the experience gained. The final goal is to see an ORECA 03 on the top step of the podium.”

Perennial LMP1 contenders, the team from Signes will therefore also be in LMP2. It’s a double engagement that will be “a true test of the team,” said Hugues de Chaunac. “The team in charge of the ORECA 03 must use as inspiration what was done in LMP1, with the Le Mans Series championship title and the 12 Hours of Sebring. To learn the most possible from the car, Team ORECA-Matmut must have a perfect race. We need to set a quick pace so that the data gathered are the most beneficial.”

For this, a balanced trio has been called with Alexandre Prémat, David Hallyday and Dominik Kraihamer. “We are combining experience and youth,” said Hugues de Chaunac. “I got to know David in the French GT Championship. I appreciate his passion. While racing is not his “career,” he’s a driver at heart and he’s quick. Dominik is here to learn and avoid mistakes. He comes from Formula Le Mans and he has the opportunity to show what he’s learned. Alexandre Prémat, after four solid years at Audi, is taking on a new role. He’ll have the responsibility of being the captain. He’ll have to bring all of his experience.”

The #48 ORECA 03 will begin its Le Mans week on Sunday, June 5 at 4:15pm at the scrutineering, Place des Jacobins.