ByKolles Planning to Continue Despite Rebellion Exit

Photo: Vision Sport Agency

ByKolles Racing has reaffirmed its commitment to the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship season, despite Thursday’s news of Rebellion Racing’s exit from the LMP1 Privateer class at the end of this season.

The German squad, the only other non-factory entry currently in the top prototype class, plans to continue fielding its CLM P1/01 AER car next year, despite the possibility of not facing any direct competition in the LMP1 sub-class.

“Surely it’s a pity that Rebellion is stopping its project,” ByKolles Head of Operations Boris Bermes told Sportscar365. “But the news do not affect our plans.”

Bermes, however, stressed that he’s awaiting further information from the FIA and ACO as to how the subclass would be treated, should they be the only car competing next year.

“Some questions have to be cleared,” he said. “Will there be still a classification for privateers? We also need to understand if the privateers will be included in podium ceremonies.

“But this questions need to be answered by the ACO.

“As are potential interests from privateers to enter in LMP1 after 2017 it will important keep LMP1 attractive next year, too.”

Pierre Kaffer, Simon Trummer and Oliver Webb will pilot ByKolles’ entry in the final three rounds of the year, as they search for the team’s first class win since Circuit of The Americas 2015.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John