BR Engineering Set for Expanded 2016 Program with BR01

Photo: Dunlop

There are likely to be additional LMP2 cars from BR Engineering on the grid next year, with the Russian constructor finalizing its 2016 program, which could include efforts in all three of the ACO-run championships. (En Français)

A total of five BR01 chassis are expected to be built, including the pair of Nissan-powered prototypes that competed this year under the SMP Racing and AF Racing banners, with one confirmed for next month’s FIA WEC season-ending Six Hours of Bahrain.

According to Managing Director Benjamin Durand, full-season race options in the WEC, as well as ELMS and rebooted Asian Le Mans Series are all under consideration for next year.

Industry sources, meanwhile, have indicated a two-car WEC program is almost a sure thing, alongside a return to the ELMS.

“We will build [additional] chassis,” Durand told Endurance-Info. “All roads are still under consideration, including the Asian market where the current LMP2 cars can run longer.

“The ACO has put its resources in Asia as it did with the ELMS in 2013. We’ll see how BR Engineering may be present in the Asian market.”

The Paolo Catone-designed LMP2 car has so far completed five races, including its debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with no mechanical-related retirements for either entry.

“The early season goal to complete 20,000 kms was achieved,” Durand said. “We are well within the lifetime of the parts as required by the regulations.

“With the delayed start of the season [for the chassis] we’ve now been able to get a better understanding of the car and the Dunlop tires.”

The next step will be in Bahrain, where Nic Minassian, Mikhail Aleshin and David Markosov will pilot the solo Dunlop-shod BR01 Nissan, which will again run under the AF Racing banner.

Durand said a presence in January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona also remains under evaluation.

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