The major trends of 2012

Photo : Arnaud CORNILLEAU - ACO/Nikon

Since 1923, the Le Mans 24-Hours race has been the most grueling test bed for motor car manufacturers. This is even more the case this year with the accent on hybrid prototypes, as two major manufacturers have entered two each. More than ever the Le Mans 24 Hours is in step with the times.

The hybrid is the main talking point.

Four hybrid-powered LM P1 prototypes will start the Le Mans 24 Hours. These four cars are the fruit of the work carried out by two of the three biggest motor car manufacturers in the world. What’s at stake between Audi and Toyota can be easily summed up – which one will be the first to win the Le Mans 24 Hours with a hybrid engine? 

The Japanese giant has taken up the gauntlet thrown down by last year’s race winner and will enter two completely new cars, the TS 030 Hybrids. Audi with two victories on the trot in the Sarthe behind it is also working flat out on this new technology, and has asked for two entries for its R18 with this type of engine. Nonetheless, the German make has also entered two updated versions of the R18 that won in 2011.

The battle that is looming between Audi and Toyota perpetuates the great Sarthe tradition of pitiless duels over 24 Hours. However, the Swiss team Hope Racing will go down in history as having entered the first hybrid-powered prototype in the Le Mans 24 Hours. The team is back again this year but on the reserve list.

Outsiders better armed than ever by the Japanese giants.
Ambitious teams also have the right equipment to get involved in the forthcoming duel thanks to the major Japanese manufacturers. The two new Honda Performance Development ARX 03as entered by the JRM and Strakka Racing outfits can set the battle ablaze at the head of the pack.

In 2011, on its maiden outing a car like this finished second overall in the Sebring 12 Hours battling throughout the race with the diesel-engined Audi and Peugeot prototypes. These two cars have the potential to fight at the front thanks to their very experienced drivers like David Brabham, a former Le Mans 24 Hours winner, their in-depth knowledge of the sport and an engine with plenty of power. With Toyota back with works cars after a 12-year break and also supporting Rebellion Racing as an engine supplier (but with normal motors), the return of the quick Dyson Racing squad with Mazda power (among its drivers, Guy Smith, winner in 2003), Honda’s growing involvement with two very competitive cars plus Nissan’s increased support of Signatech in LM P2, the Japanese manufacturers have again shown their attachment to the Le Mans 24 Hours. 

Pescarolo sees double!
Henri Pescarolo’s team was back in 2011 with one car, and this year Henri has entered two prototypes in the top category. Since 1996, except for 2010, this team has always been among the front-runners whether with Courage chassis, its own design or a Peugeot 908 HDi FAP. Last year Pescarolo looked on course for an excellent result until a sudden rain storm sent the car off the road when sixth place beckoned for the resurrected French team. Pescarolo will be present with two cars for the 2012 event, the brand-new Pescarolo 03-H Judd and a Judd-powered Dome on behalf of the eponymous Japanese manufacturer. This car is an updated version of the one seen at Le Mans in 2008. Finally, Oak Racing has entered an LM P1, an evolution of the Pescarolo chassis. The car finished the 2011 season on a high note and cannot be discounted due to its skilled driver line-up.

The three biggest motor manufacturers in the world at the start.
Thanks to the LM P and GTE categories the 24-Hours regulations provide the ideal opening to enable the major motor car manufacturers to find just the right balance between their sporting and commercial aims. Thus, Audi, Toyota and Morgan - also making its comeback – have given priority to the prototype categories, while Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin have entered the LM GTE categories on a works basis through satellite teams. This year the three biggest car manufacturers (end of 2011) in the world will do battle: GM with Corvette, VAG with Audi, and Toyota. Note that the fourth-largest company Renault-Nissan is the official engine supplier for the Signatech-Nissan.

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, TEST DAY, 24th APRIL 2011: Audi R18 #2 LM P1