Following the GT-R LM NISMO‘s disappointing debut at the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, Nissan have today decided not to participate in the upcoming rounds of the 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship, and to continue testing and developing the car instead.
Three of the radical front-wheel drive, front-engined GT-R LM NISMOs entered the French endurance race in June, but none were classified in the final results due to multiple technical issues plaguing the team’s efforts.
It was later revealed after the race that the cars hadn’t run the hybrid system, which in turn compromised other areas of the vehicle.
“We know people will be disappointed but be assured that nobody is more disappointed than us,” said Shoichi Miyatani, President of NISMO.
“We have chosen to continue our test programme and prepare the GT-R LM NISMO for the strong competition we face in the World Endurance Championship. When you innovate you don’t give up at the first hurdle. We are committed to overcoming this challenge.”
“We’ve said it before but innovation hurts,” said Darren Cox, Global Head of Brand, Marketing & Sales, NISMO. “We’ve built an LMP1 car that is very different to other racing cars as we continue to drive motorsport innovation.
Most, but not all, of the tests will take place in the United States, and a date for the manufacturer’s return to the championship will be announced as the test programme progresses.
