Rebellion LMP2 Program Unlikely for 2017

Photo: Vision Sport Agency

Rebellion Racing is unlikely to mount a LMP2 program in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year, with the Anglo-Swiss squad instead taking a wait-and-see approach on the the new-look Prototype class.

The two-time Petit Le Mans race-winning team had initially evaluated a Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup effort for next year, but with its LMP1 program coming more into focus, an IMSA campaign has been put on the back burner, according to team manager Bart Hayden.

“We’re still looking at it, but it’s not really high on the likely hood scale at the moment because everything is going to be so new,” Hayden told Sportscar365. “The new P2s, the DPis, etc.

“It’s almost if you’re not doing something right now, it’s too late to be ready for the start of the year.”

Hayden, who attended this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona on a recon mission, said they wouldn’t want to rush into a decision on a chassis and regret it later.

The Anglo-Swiss squad currently enjoys a partnership with ORECA, which built its Rebellion R-One LMP1 car, although it wouldn’t necessarily be the chassis of choice for a possible LMP2 effort.

“I think in America, it’s less of a problem with what chassis manufacturer you choose because of the balance,” Hayden said. “With WEC, the ELMS, one of the four might be way out ahead of the others, or one of the four might be way behind the other three.

“So there’s a certain element of risk. Who do you go with? One option potentially could be to see how that develops, to see who comes out with the winning car.

“It would be great if all four of them came out with cars which are there or thereabouts, but you never know.

“It’s exciting from the point of view of seeing those four manufacturers committed, and we’ll see what they come with.”

For now, Hayden said the team plans to continue in the FIA World Endurance Championship with a two-car LMP1 Privateer effort with its Rebellion R-Ones, which will be upgraded for next year.

“We’ve obviously got the R-Ones, the investment has been made there,” he said. “The aero updates we’re allowed to do shouldn’t be overly costly, so there’s scope for improvement.”

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