Sebastien Loeb Racing say they are ready to start their ‘discovery’ phrase going into this year’s Le Mans Test Day, with regular drivers Vincent Capillaire and Jan Charouz set to be joined by René Rast for the one-day test and the race itself.
“The first two rounds of the ELMS have allowed us to set everything up and the good result at Imola did confirm our move to the next phase, Le Mans” said Team Manager Franck Tiné. “We are in high spirits for that day which will be crucial in our preparation. Though the team has already taken part in the Test Day before, it will feel different this time since our first start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is in sight.”
The team head to Le Mans with a different version of the ORECA 03-Nissan, with ORECA introducing new aerodynamic changes to the car to suit the high-speed straights and corners of Le Mans, most noticeably a new front end, dubbing it the ‘ORECA 03R.’
“It is a first concrete step in the legend and an important dress rehearsal for the drivers who, apart from Jan, will be discovering the track in LMP2,” continued Tiné. “Also, a big day of work is waiting for us with Michelin and with our first laps with the ORECA 03R. Our aim is clearly to begin this challenge on a good note so that we can have also a good approach of the racing week.”
Talking about the teams aim for Le Mans, co-founder Dominique Heintz said: “Le Mans is a project that we did set up right from the moment the team was created and this test day is an important step. We have a precise way forward and we are aware that the experience on that day may have an impact on the racing week.
“Beyond the result itself and our position on the time sheet, it is in terms of our approach that we want to be ready. The team and drivers must seize that opportunity of a perfect rehearsal. It is our last warm-up match and we must be successful.”
The 2014 Test Day takes place on Sunday, with the first session starting at 1000 BST, lasting until 1400 BST, with the evening session running 1500-1900 BST.
